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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful pasta casserole inspired by classic French onion soup. Caramelized yellow onions form a rich, sweet base, combined with tender orzo pasta cooked in savory beef broth and heavy cream. Melted Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses create a luscious, cheesy sauce with a golden bubbly top. This oven-baked dish is perfect for cozy dinners, offering a creamy, cheesy, and aromatic experience with hints of thyme and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Pasta & Liquids

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness essential to the dish.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up all browned bits to enhance flavor.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat slightly, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
  4. Add Cheese: Mix in half of the grated Gruyère and mozzarella cheese until creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use small pasta shapes like orzo for optimal texture and flavor absorption. Couscous or ditalini are good substitutes.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap beef broth for vegetable broth and confirm cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
  • This dish can be prepped ahead by completing the stovetop steps, then refrigerating before baking.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
  • For extra cheesy crust, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.
  • Variations include adding sautéed mushrooms, greens like spinach or kale, cooked ground meat, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Keywords: French onion, orzo bake, caramelized onions, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, casserole, thyme, Gruyère, mozzarella, Parmesan, easy dinner

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/french-onion-orzo-bake-recipe-2/