This never disappoints my hubby! He's super picky too!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of ground beef and rice. This casserole is a delightful twist on traditional French onion soup, offering a satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The caramelized onions provide a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef, while the rice adds a comforting texture. It's a dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which helps to balance the richness of the dish. A side of crusty French bread is also a great accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a touch of color and added nutrition, consider serving it alongside some steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Servings: 6

1 pound ground beef
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fried onions topping (optional)

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, about 20 minutes.

While the onions are cooking, in another pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add the butter to the caramelized onions, then stir in the rice, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

Combine the cooked ground beef with the onion and rice mixture. Stir in the beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. For a gluten-free option, ensure your beef broth is gluten-free and consider using brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. You can also add mushrooms to the caramelized onions for an earthy flavor, or top the casserole with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.