French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining savory ground beef, flavorful soups, and tender rice, it’s topped with melted cheese and optional crispy onions for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste (optional)
• Crispy fried onions, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking while breaking up the meat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if desired.
4. Step 4: Stir the cooked beef and onions into the rice mixture until everything is evenly combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam.
6. Step 6: Bake covered for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add crispy fried onions in the last few minutes if using.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps create cleaner slices and a creamier texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the onions in butter before adding the beef.
• Use Swiss cheese for a nuttier taste or mozzarella for a mild, creamy finish.
• Try adding chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for additional veggies.
• If you prefer, substitute brown rice but increase baking time accordingly and check for tenderness.
• Use low-sodium soups and broth to better control the salt level in the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the casserole has thickened, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra baking time if baking directly from cold.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

This casserole can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly in the oven.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

A comforting and hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, combining savory ground beef, sweet onions, rich soups, and tender rice baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and delivers rich French onion soup flavors in a family-friendly casserole.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced

Rice and Liquids

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

Seasonings and Toppings

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• salt, to taste (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• crispy fried onions, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef and diced onion. Cook while breaking up the meat until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess fat carefully.
3. Mix Rice and Soups: In a mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
4. Combine with Beef Mixture: Stir the cooked ground beef and onions into the rice and soup mixture until everything is evenly combined.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam during baking.
6. Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the casserole.
7. Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. If desired, add crispy fried onions in the last few minutes for extra crunch.
8. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the casserole set for cleaner slices and enhances the creamy texture before serving.

Notes

• Use low sodium beef broth to control the salt content in the casserole.
• If preferred, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Adding crispy fried onions on top adds flavor and texture but is optional.
• Covering the dish tightly during the first baking phase helps the rice cook evenly by trapping steam.

Keywords: French onion soup casserole, ground beef casserole, baked rice casserole, easy dinner casserole, comfort food recipe