French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to whip up, this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with savory flavors from caramelized onions, hearty ground beef, and creamy rice, this one-dish wonder is ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• Savory and Hearty: Classic French onion soup flavors combined with the comforting heartiness of beef and rice.
• One-Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean and perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable: Add veggies or swap rice for another grain to make it your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that’s always a hit with family and guests alike.

Ingredients for French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions: For topping.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet: For browning the beef and onions.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the casserole ingredients.
• 9×13 baking dish: For baking the casserole.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions, uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Toppings
7. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Top with crispy fried onions.
8. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
9. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside a crusty piece of bread to scoop up every last bite of the creamy goodness.

Tips for the Best French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Low and slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better and adds a creamy, rich texture.
• Add Veggies: Stir in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: This casserole freezes well! Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time and check for doneness.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without the cheese and crispy onions), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the toppings just before baking.

Q3: Can I use a different type of soup?
A: Yes! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well as substitutes for cream of mushroom.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic!

French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole combines rich, savory flavors with easy prep to create the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a make-ahead dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today, and prepare for rave reviews from your family and friends!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy this delicious casserole and share the love at your table!

Print