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French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole in baking dish with melted mozzarella cheese
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Ultimate comfort food combining savory ground beef, rice, and caramelized onions in a rich, cheesy sauce. Easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter or cooking spray.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, immediately reduce heat to medium, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet with caramelized onions. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat (2-3 tablespoons from 80/20 beef).
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add uncooked rice, beef broth, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  6. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbling, rice is tender when tested with a fork, and cheese is melted and golden brown.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use yellow or sweet onions for richer flavor. Don’t rush the caramelization step as it develops the deep, savory taste.
  • Cover with foil during initial baking to ensure rice cooks evenly throughout.
  • For brown rice, add an extra 3/4 cup broth and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes.
  • Can add mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables.
  • For extra cheesy crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition

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