If you love those mouthwatering flavors of a classic French onion soup but wish it could be even more comforting and filling, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is about to become your new kitchen hero. This dish brings all the savory goodness of caramelized onions and melty cheese, pairing them with hearty ground beef and fluffy rice for a dreamy, all-in-one bake. With every scoop, you’ll discover layers of rich flavor, creamy texture, and gooey cheese—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the charm of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is how simple and familiar the ingredients are, yet how they combine for such deep, robust flavor. Each one brings a unique note, from richness and body to that picture-perfect cheesy top.
- Ground beef: The foundation for this casserole, providing richness and heartiness.
- Olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps onions caramelize to sweet perfection.
- Yellow onion: Go for a full medium onion, sliced thinly, to achieve those signature sweet, golden layers.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, offer aromatic depth that plays so well with the other ingredients.
- Long grain white rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the juices and flavors while baking.
- French onion soup (canned): Instantly infuses the casserole with classic, oniony flavor and a touch of umami.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds a luxurious creaminess and earthy undertone to the casserole.
- Beef broth: Keeps everything moist while enhancing the savory character.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a teaspoon deepens the flavor with a hint of tang and complexity.
- Dried thyme: A subtle herbal addition that echoes the French onion inspiration.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to your taste for the perfect balance.
- Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that makes each bite irresistible—Swiss gives that authentic French onion vibe, but mozzarella is wonderfully creamy.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing sticking later. Then, gather and measure all your ingredients so everything is ready to go—it’s a trusty trick that keeps casserole night stress-free!
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and warm it up over medium heat. Add those sliced onions and let them work their magic, stirring occasionally until they soften and turn a deep, golden brown—expect about 10 to 12 minutes. Once they hit that sweet spot, toss in the minced garlic for one more minute to infuse everything with bold aroma. Slide the onions and garlic onto a plate for now.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add your ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. This is the time to sprinkle in salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Once any excess grease has been drained off, your kitchen will already smell amazing with French onion casserole anticipation.
Step 4: Combine the Casserole Mixture
Now, stir in the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and half of your shredded cheese right into the skillet with the beef. Bring back those caramelized onions and mix well—every spoonful should have a little bit of everything. This is your ultimate French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole base.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Scoop the savory mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil to keep all the moisture locked in, and bake for 45 minutes. When the timer’s up, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, and return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese will turn gloriously bubbly and golden as the rice becomes tender and the kitchen fills with tempting aromas.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let your casserole rest for 5 minutes before digging in. This helps everything settle and makes serving those perfect squares so much easier, letting every cheesy, savory bite of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole shine.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
To make this dish even more enticing, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, snipped chives, or a hint of finely grated Parmesan over the top just before serving. These little finishing touches add an inviting burst of color and an extra layer of flavor to your casserole, brightening every bite.
Side Dishes
The richness of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole goes beautifully with crisp, refreshing side salads—think a simple mixed green with vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Want heartier pairings? Try roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or even crusty bread to soak up any melty cheese and sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or want to impress family, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a bistro-style presentation. Or, scoop it into bell pepper halves before the final cheese topping for a fun twist. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top offers a sophisticated finish for special occasions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep and next-day lunches.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes like a champion. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, or wrap the whole (unbaked or baked) dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheating is as simple as placing portions in a microwave-safe dish and covering loosely, then microwaving until hot. For the crispiest cheese finish, go for a 350°F oven, uncovered, until heated through—about 20 minutes. A splash of extra broth before reheating helps keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or another type Main Course
Absolutely! Brown rice or even wild rice are tasty swaps, though you’ll need to increase the baking time and possibly add a bit more broth to ensure the rice cooks through. Check for doneness before removing from the oven for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free versions of the canned soups and broth. Always double check labels to be sure—they’re the only common sources of gluten in this otherwise naturally gluten-free dish.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! Assemble up to the point just before baking, then cover and refrigerate the unbaked casserole up to 24 hours ahead. When you’re ready, let it sit on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge).
What cheeses pair best with this recipe?
Swiss cheese provides the most authentic French onion flavor, but mozzarella and provolone are creamy, melty options that work just as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a blend for a more complex cheesy crust.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
It’s done when the rice is tender and the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly. If the rice still has a little bite, cover and bake a few more minutes, checking often until it reaches your desired texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dish that truly delivers on flavor and comfort, look no further than this irresistible French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy those beloved French onion flavors in a satisfying, all-in-one meal. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a treasured favorite at your table too!
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines the richness of French onion soup with the heartiness of ground beef and rice, all baked to cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Rice and Broth:
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Cheese Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Onions: In a skillet, caramelize onions in olive oil until golden. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in the skillet, season, and drain excess grease.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine rice, soups, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, cheese, and caramelized onions.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, cover with foil, bake for 45 minutes. Add remaining cheese, bake uncovered until bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swiss cheese adds a classic French onion flavor.
- For a richer dish, add a splash of heavy cream before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well for a next-day meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
