French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory ground beef, caramelized onion flavor, creamy rice, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together for the ultimate one-pan meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this casserole is a great way to feed the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and basic ingredients make this a stress-free meal.
- Comfort Food Classic – Warm, cheesy, and packed with rich, savory flavors.
- One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped in advance and baked later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- White or brown rice (uncooked)
- French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- Beef broth
- Sour cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy fried onions (for topping)
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the rice, French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 10 minutes until the rice starts to absorb the liquid.
- Stir in the sour cream and half of the cheese for a creamy texture.
- Transfer to a greased casserole dish, spreading the mixture evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheese and crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use Different Meat – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
- Cheese Options – Try Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a new twist.
- Low-Carb Version – Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
- Make It Spicy – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white or brown rice works well, but avoid instant rice.
Can I use homemade French onion soup?
Absolutely! A homemade version will enhance the flavor even more.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great sides.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use uncooked rice and the right liquid ratio to ensure it cooks perfectly.
Can I add more protein?
Yes! Try adding cooked bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy texture and cheesy top make it appealing to kids.
Can I use leftover cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the broth amount since the rice won’t absorb as much liquid.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Bake the casserole uncovered for the last few minutes and broil for a golden-brown finish.
Conclusion
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm, delicious meal with minimal effort!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish packed with savory beef, caramelized onions, and tender rice. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cook Onions & Garlic: Add sliced onions to the pan and cook until softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil, stir, and check if rice is tender. If needed, bake another 10 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Topping: Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and crispy fried onions over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes, then dig in!
Notes
- Rice Choice: Long-grain white rice works best. If using brown rice, add ½ cup more broth and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Swiss or Gruyère for a more classic French onion flavor.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in ½ cup sour cream before baking for a richer texture.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.