French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
I swear, this casserole smells like all the best parts of a comforting home dinner rolled into one. Think caramelized onions melting into savory ground beef, hugs of tender rice, and that golden cheesy top bubbling in the oven—yes, please! I stumbled on this cozy combo after craving French onion soup but wanting something a little heartier and easier to make for weeknights. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab a fork and a good movie, then settle in for a night of total kitchen bliss. Plus, the layers of sweet onions and rich beef always bring a hug to my taste buds.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is perfect for flavor)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce / Garnish (optional):
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Additional shredded cheese for topping
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook low and slow for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully caramelized—deep golden brown and sweetly fragrant.
Step 2:
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the onions. Break it up with your spatula, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned and mostly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce for that classic French onion depth.
Step 3:
Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s fully coated in those caramelized onion juices and beefy goodness. Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and then turn off the heat.
Step 4:
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère evenly over the top. This cheese melts down into a luscious, slightly nutty blanket that makes every forkful extra special.
Step 5:
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in. Garnish with fresh thyme if you want that little herbal kick to brighten everything up.
Variations & Tips
- Add a splash of white wine when caramelizing onions for extra depth.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use brown rice but increase cook time and broth by about 15 minutes and ½ cup respectively.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish.
- Stir in a handful of chopped mushrooms with onions for an earthier flavor.
- If you like your casserole saucier, add ½ cup sour cream folded into the beef and rice before baking.
How I Like to Serve It
This casserole shines on chilly fall evenings when you want something to warm you up and fill the house with cozy aromas. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. It also makes a great make-ahead dish for easy weeknight dinners or a casual weekend family meal where everyone can scoop their own generous portions.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if dry.
Closing: This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those easy, no-fail meals that always feels like a warm kitchen hug—comfort food at its best!
