French Onion and Rice Casserole

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 cups chopped yellow onions (about 4 large onions)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 (12-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or another Swiss cheese)

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Cooking Difficulty Level: 3 (moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and white wine (if using).
6. Stir in the cooked rice, mushrooms, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 15 minutes.
8. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese on top.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Fat: 15 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful with a sweet and savory balance.
• Creamy and comforting with a cheesy topping.
• Suitable for 8 people.
• Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

User Comments:

• "This casserole is absolutely delicious! The caramelized onions and cheese pairing is perfect." - Sarah

• "I love that this dish combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of rice. It's a crowd-pleaser." - John

• "This casserole is easy to make and can be customized with different cheeses or vegetables." - Mary

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to carefully caramelize the onions until they turn a deep golden brown. This will develop their full sweetness and flavor.
• If you don't have white wine on hand, you can substitute additional beef broth or vegetable broth.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead.