French Onion Ground Beef and Rice
I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and surprisingly simple to prepare. The onions slowly cook down until they’re sweet and golden, giving the dish that signature French onion taste, while the ground beef keeps it filling and satisfying.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Cheese grater
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup French fried onions for that classic crispy finish!
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pro Tip: I like to line the dish with a little parchment on the sides for easy serving and cleanup.
Cook the Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and caramelized (about 15–20 minutes).
- Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to help draw out the sweetness.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush the onions! Low and slow is key to that rich, French onion flavor.
Brown the Ground Beef
- Push the onions to the side of the skillet or transfer them temporarily to a bowl.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season with garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
Combine Rice and Broth
- Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet with the beef and onions until evenly mixed.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Give the rice a quick stir so every grain is coated with the broth and seasonings—this helps it cook evenly in the oven.
Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Optional: Add a layer of French fried onions for extra crunch.
Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Pro Tip: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking—it helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and makes serving easier.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg