Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, one-pan meal that’s full of flavor, French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. This dish takes the savory, caramelized flavors of French onion soup and transforms them into a comforting baked casserole. With seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, melted cheese, and plenty of onions, it’s a budget-friendly family favorite that feels both cozy and indulgent.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. I once swapped the cheddar topping for Gruyère, and it instantly elevated the dish with that classic French onion flavor. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or bring it to a potluck, this casserole will always be a crowd-pleaser.
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – A Cozy, Flavorful Classic
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a savory, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, caramelized onions, and a creamy sauce baked together under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s an easy one-pan meal with all the flavors of French onion soup in casserole form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for authenticity)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook onions over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Push onions to the side, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss.
- Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
The hearty base of the casserole, adding protein and rich flavor.
Rice (long-grain or white rice)
Cooks in the casserole, soaking up all the savory flavors.
Onions
Slowly caramelized, they bring the deep sweetness that makes this dish taste like French onion soup.
Beef broth
Infuses the rice with flavor and keeps the casserole moist.
Cream of mushroom soup
Adds creaminess and binds everything together.
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Enhances the umami depth, similar to French onion soup.
Garlic
Adds aromatic flavor to the beef and onions.
Butter and olive oil
Used for sautéing onions to golden perfection.
Salt and black pepper
Simple seasoning to balance all the flavors.
Cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella/cheddar blend)
Melted on top, it creates a bubbly, golden finish.
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
For a touch of freshness before serving.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized (about 20–25 minutes). Add garlic in the last 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in soy sauce or Worcestershire and season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, ground beef, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix well and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining onions and cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 1 hour, or until rice is tender and fully cooked. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake an additional 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Garnish with thyme or parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking requires 1 hour 10 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or in the microwave in shorter bursts. This casserole also freezes well—store tightly wrapped for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Upgrade
Mix shredded cheese into the casserole before baking for extra creaminess.
French Onion Chicken Casserole
Swap beef for shredded chicken and use chicken broth instead.
Mushroom Lovers’ Version
Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions for more earthy flavor.
Spicy Twist
Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter option.
Beef and Noodles Variation
Swap rice for egg noodles for a different texture.
Creamier Casserole
Use sour cream or cream cheese in place of half the mushroom soup.
Italian-Inspired
Add oregano, basil, and mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
French Onion Dip Style
Stir in a bit of sour cream and onion dip mix for an extra punch.
Gluten-Free
Ensure broth and soup are gluten-free or make your own mushroom cream base.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?
No, the rice cooks in the casserole while baking.
Can I use instant rice?
It’s not recommended, as it may become mushy. Stick to long-grain rice.
What’s the best cheese for topping?
Gruyère or Swiss give the most authentic French onion flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but you may want to add extra seasoning for richness.
How do I caramelize onions properly?
Cook them low and slow in butter and oil for at least 20 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Why is my rice undercooked?
Ensure the casserole is tightly covered with foil during baking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use two baking dishes for even cooking.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Conclusion
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole takes the beloved flavors of French onion soup and transforms them into a hearty, family-friendly bake. With caramelized onions, savory beef, tender rice, and a golden cheese topping, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this casserole is sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.
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