Description
French Onion Beefy Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal combining savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, mushrooms, and creamy rice. Enhanced with beef broth, onion soup mix, and a blend of herbs, this casserole is topped with melted cheese for a rich, flavorful dinner perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 16 ounces lean ground beef (96% lean / 4% fat)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 ounce onion soup mix (1 pouch)
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1¼ cups white long-grain rice (do not substitute)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1¼ cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (your favorite kind)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Season it with black pepper, Italian herbs, and dried thyme while cooking. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Using the same pot, melt the unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute to deepen flavor.
- Add Mushrooms and Flavorings: To the pot, add the sliced mushrooms, onion soup mix, beef broth, and white long-grain rice. Stir everything well to combine evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10 minutes without stirring to let the rice absorb the broth.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked ground beef back into the pot along with the whole milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese until thoroughly combined and creamy.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the beef and rice mixture into a 9 × 13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned lightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use white long-grain rice specifically as it absorbs the broth perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Do not stir the rice mixture while simmering to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Feel free to substitute the shredded cheese with your favorite cheese blend like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking if chilled.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
