French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• null 1 cup RiceSelect® Texmati White rice
• null 1 lb ground beef
• null 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• null 1/2 tsp salt
• null 1/4 tsp black pepper
• null 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• null 2 cloves garlic, minced
• null 2 cups low sodium beef broth
• null 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• null 1 cup sour cream
• null 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère
• null 2 tbsp butter
• null 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, brown beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then season lightly with Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions. Cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until deep golden brown. Add garlic and thyme, cook 2 more minutes.
3. Add caramelized onions to the beef. Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, French onion soup, and sour cream.
4. Spread mixture evenly in a greased 9x13" casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil.
5. Bake 50 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
6. Optional: Lightly garnish with Crispy French Onions on top