Savory French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole

$- 1 pound ground beef - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 2 cups beef broth Ground beef forms the base of this dish. It provides rich flavor and protein. Onions and garlic add depth and sweetness. Caramelizing them makes their taste shine. Rice absorbs the beef broth, making every bite satisfying. Beef broth adds moisture and beefy goodness. - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Worcestershire sauce brings umami and tang. It enhances the meat's flavor. Dried thyme gives a hint of earthiness. It's a classic herb in many dishes. Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish but also adds color. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for cooking the casserole evenly. 2. Cooking onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 large onions, thinly sliced. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown. Stir them often to avoid burning. After the onions are caramelized, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the garlic smells great. Remove the skillet from heat. 3. Browning the beef: In the same skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it over medium-high heat until it is browned. Break the beef up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep it lean and tasty. 1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, caramelized onions, and garlic. Add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it is evenly combined. 2. Assembling the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking. 3. Baking time and cheese addition: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen! To make the best French onion beef and rice casserole, start with the onions. Caramelizing them is key. - Heat olive oil over medium heat. - Add sliced onions and stir often. - Cook for about 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown. - Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness. Next, browning the beef can be tricky. - Use medium-high heat in the same skillet. - Break the meat apart as it cooks. - Cook until browned, then drain any fat. This step adds depth to the dish. Using homemade beef broth can make a big difference. Store-bought broth often lacks the rich taste you want. If you can, make your own. - Simmer beef bones with water, veggies, and herbs. - Strain and store it for later use. This adds a fresh, deep flavor. Herbs and spices also boost the taste. - Add dried thyme for a warm note. - Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. You can also try other herbs. Fresh parsley adds brightness when you garnish the dish. These steps will ensure your casserole shines with flavor! Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Sweet Onions: For a richer flavor, opt for sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla when caramelizing. Their natural sugars will enhance the dish's sweetness. Tip Title: Beef Broth Variations: Experiment with low-sodium beef broth for a healthier option, or use homemade broth to elevate the overall taste of your casserole. Tip Title: Cheese Choices: While Swiss cheese is classic, feel free to mix in Gruyère or a sharp cheddar for added flavor and a delightful cheese pull. Tip Title: Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring the cheese stays melty. {{image_2}} Alternative meats You can switch out the ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also try ground lamb for a richer flavor. Each meat gives the dish a unique taste. Different cheese options Swiss cheese is great, but feel free to mix it up. Gruyère cheese offers a nutty flavor. You can use cheddar for a sharper taste. If you want a creamier texture, try mozzarella. Each cheese choice adds its own twist. Gluten-free adjustments To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free beef broth. You can also swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both options taste good and keep the dish gluten-free. Vegetarian version ideas For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, for extra flavor. This way, you enjoy a hearty meal without meat. To cool your casserole properly, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent moisture buildup. After cooling, transfer it to an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are food-safe and can handle heat. For reheating, the best method is using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the rice from drying out. To keep your casserole moist, add a splash of beef broth or water before reheating. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can make this casserole in advance. Prepare it up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. What can I serve with French Onion Beef and Rice Casserole? This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad. You might also enjoy it with crusty bread or steamed veggies. These sides add freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the casserole. Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook than white rice. You will need to adjust the cooking time. Use about 2 1/2 cups of beef broth to ensure it cooks properly. How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. You can also check if the rice is tender. Insert a fork into the casserole to test the texture. If the rice is soft, it is ready to serve. This casserole combines ground beef, onions, and rice for a tasty dish. You learned how to prepare, mix, and bake it perfectly. I shared tips on caramelizing onions and enhancing flavors. You can swap ingredients for variety or make dietary changes easily. Remember to cool and store leftovers properly for later meals. This dish is simple and fun to make, perfect for any time. Enjoy creating your French Onion Beef and Rice Casserole and make it your own!$

Savory French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole

A hearty casserole featuring ground beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese over rice.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, caramelized onions and garlic, uncooked rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.

Keyword beef, casserole, onion, rice