Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese; ½ cup crispy fried onions

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If you’re craving a cozy meal that ticks every comfort food box, French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole should be at the top of your list. Imagine the deep, savory flavors of a French onion soup blended with rich ground beef, creamy rice, gooey cheese, and that crave-worthy crunch from crispy fried onions on top. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s just as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as it is for feeding a hungry crowd. Let me share all my tips and personal touches for making this casserole a true standout!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole comes from a simple cast of characters, each playing an essential role. These ingredients all have something special to offer, whether it’s hearty texture, savory depth, creamy tang, or just that irresistible finishing touch.

Ground Beef: Go for lean or regular—browning it adds a savory backbone that makes the casserole supremely satisfying.
Yellow Onion: Thinly chopped onion brings a gentle sweetness and that unmistakable French onion flavor.
Olive Oil: Just a splash helps soften your onion and gives the beef a rich finish without heaviness.
Long Grain White Rice: No need to pre-cook! The grains soak up all the flavors right in the baking dish.
Beef Broth: This liquid gold soaks into the rice, keeping everything lush and tasty.
Condensed French Onion Soup: The secret to infusing each bite with intense oniony goodness.
Sour Cream: Lends a creamy tang that balances out the bold, beefy layers.
Garlic Powder: Simple but mighty—adds aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash gives you a hint of umami and brings all the savory flavors together.
Black Pepper: Just enough bite to wake up the rich flavors already in the pan.
Shredded Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese: Cheese is a must—choose mozzarella for creaminess or Swiss for that nutty punch.
Crispy Fried Onions: The golden, crunchy finale that transforms every bite into pure comfort.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grab a large skillet and warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring often so it turns translucent and releases all its sweetness. This step is where the French onion magic really begins!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with your softened onion. Break up the meat and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Don’t rush this step—the browning gives the casserole its deliciously hearty base. Once it’s nicely cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.

Step 3: Combine the Building Blocks

Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed French onion soup, sour cream, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix it thoroughly—no bland bites allowed! The flavors will start to mingle and your kitchen will already be smelling incredible.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your mixture, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil. This step is all about letting the rice cook gently and absorb the savory broth, making this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ultra-creamy and warm.

Step 5: Add the Cheesiness

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and cover everything with a generous shower of shredded cheese. Return to the oven, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This layer gives the casserole its iconic look and that stretchy, irresistible cheese pull!

Step 6: The Crispy Finale

As soon as it’s hot out of the oven, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the casserole. The contrast between creamy rice, melty cheese, and the crunchy topping is what makes this dish unforgettable—your family will be racing to dig in!

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Top your bubbly casserole with fresh chopped parsley or extra black pepper just before serving. These easy touches offer a pop of color and a bit of freshness, making each serving feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish is a heartwarming star all on its own but it loves company! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some simply roasted green beans to balance the creamy, cheesy notes. If you’re craving something even more classic, warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, let guests scoop their own portions straight from the pan—family style always feels extra cozy. For a fancier dinner, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins, then top with cheese and crispy onions for a mini French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole everyone will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the cooled casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen as they sit. Enjoy an easy lunch or dinner the next day—just as delicious as when it was fresh!

Freezing

This casserole freezes well before or after baking. For make-ahead magic, assemble everything except the crispy onions, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, bake as directed, then top with onions just before serving for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in a 350°F oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out) for about 20–25 minutes until piping hot. For a quick single serving, the microwave works too—just add a splash of beef broth if it needs a bit of moisture and refresh with a few more crispy onions.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or a different grain?

Absolutely! Brown rice or even wild rice makes this casserole a bit nuttier and more textured, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and extend the baking time. Make sure to check for doneness so the rice is perfectly tender.

What are the best cheese options for this dish?

Mozzarella and Swiss are both fantastic in French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole because they melt beautifully. If you want something a little more gourmet, try Gruyère or a blend with sharp cheddar for extra punch.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed and finish with cheese and crispy onions for an effortless dinner.

How should I adjust the recipe for a larger group?

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can easily be doubled—just use a bigger baking dish or two pans. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking a deeper dish, so check that the rice is cooked through before serving.

Are there lighter swaps for ground beef?

Sure thing! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully here, offering a slightly lighter version while still keeping all the cozy flavors you love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that next family favorite, French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Embrace its creamy layers, cozy flavors, and that golden crispy topping—you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and see just how comforting and delicious this casserole can be!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and a rich French onion sauce, topped with melted cheese and crispy fried onions. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil

Casserole Base:

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp black pepper

Toppings:

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
½ cup crispy fried onions

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté Onion and Beef: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
Mix Ingredients: Combine rice, beef broth, French onion soup, sour cream, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Pour mixture into a baking dish.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, add cheese, bake uncovered until melted and bubbly.
Finish: Top with crispy fried onions before serving.