Short Description
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish packed with rich flavors from caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and creamy rice. Topped with melted cheese and crispy fried onions, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal—easy prep and minimal cleanup.
- Rich and savory—French onion soup mix gives it deep, comforting flavors.
- Budget-friendly—simple ingredients that are affordable and filling.
- Make-ahead option—assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Perfect for leftovers—tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- White or brown rice
- Beef broth
- French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- Sour cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Crispy fried onions
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the mixture: Stir in beef broth, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and let it absorb the flavors for 5 minutes.
- Combine with sour cream: Mix in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add crispy topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese and crispy fried onions, then bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce broth slightly.
- Mushroom Lovers: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes! Reduce the beef broth to 1 cup and stir in cooked rice before baking.
What cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend all work great.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that still tastes delicious.
Do I have to use canned French onion soup?
No, you can make homemade French onion soup by caramelizing onions and adding beef broth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs well.
How do I keep the crispy fried onions from burning?
Add them in the last 10 minutes of baking to keep them golden and crunchy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add cheese and crispy onions before serving.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Peas, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.
What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover it while baking to retain moisture, and don’t overcook the rice.
Conclusion
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with deep, savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit. Try different variations and enjoy a cozy, delicious meal!
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 Comfort Food
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with rich flavors. Savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and tender rice are baked in a creamy French onion sauce, then topped with melty cheese and crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (such as French’s)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Drain any excess grease.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
-
Bake the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
-
Add Cheese & Crispy Onions:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven (uncovered) for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Notes
Rice Substitutes: Use brown rice (increase cook time by 10 minutes) or instant rice (reduce liquid slightly and adjust baking time).
Make it ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Add veggies: Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans for extra flavor.
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