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!
PrintFrench Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, savory dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich French onion flavor, all baked with melty cheese for a hearty weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
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
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir in the cooked beef and onion mixture until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use instant rice to shorten bake time, reducing liquid slightly.
- For added depth, caramelize the onions before adding to the beef.
- This dish freezes well—cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg