French Onion Casserole
- Brianne Thomas
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Enjoy the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions with hearty ground beef, tender rice, and rich Swiss cheese in this nostalgic casserole favorite!
If ground beef is a regular item in your freezer, you might find yourself running out of fresh ideas for its use. When I need some inspiration, I often revisit nostalgic dishes from my childhood, like French Onion Casserole. This comforting meal was typically made with convenient canned soups, which, while tasty, didn’t always feature the healthiest of ingredients.
In my updated version, I ditch the canned goods and opt for simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Casserole Recipe
No Junk. This recipe utilizes basic ingredients to create the rich and savory sauce. No canned soups here!
Versatile. This dish can easily be made into a side dish by simply omitting the ground beef. It pairs perfectly with my Honey Mustard Pork Chops.
Simple to Prepare. Easy steps layer in tons of flavor. Just mix everything together, and pop it in the oven.
Make Ahead. This dish is perfect for meal planning and freezes beautifully!
What To Serve With French Onion Casserole
I like to serve this dish with a delicious side of bread, like my Honey Butter Yeast Rolls or Sourdough Discard Cheddar Garlic Drop Biscuits, and a garden fresh veggie like Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas or Simple Sauteed Green Beans
Helpful Tips For Making French Onion Casserole
Choose the Right Onion. Mild onions such as Vidalia, White, and Texas Sweet are high in natural sugars, making them ideal for caramelizing.
Cook the Rice. This dish comes together quickly because the rice is cooked separately rather than baked uncooked.
Instant Rice is a No-Go. You don’t want to use Instant Rice in this recipe. The final result
will be overcooked mush.
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Craving More Savory Dishes? Check out these fan-favorites!
Ingredients
1-pound lean ground beef
2 cups cooked rice
2 Tablespoons Garlic & Cayenne Infused Olive Oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Caramelized Onion Powder
1 Tablespoon flour
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons lemon thyme
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Heat 2 Tablespoons of Garlic & Cayenne Infused Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and fully caramelized. Remove the caramelized onions to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the 1 Tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of flour over the beef mixture, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 Tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper. Mix in the caramelized onions and cooked rice.
Fold in 1 cup of the shredded Swiss cheese into the mixture.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese evenly on top.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
How to Store French Onion Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Freeze French Onion Casserole
The baked casserole can be cooled and frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3-6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
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