Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

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If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy casserole, French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is about to become your new comfort food crush. This dish weaves golden, caramelized onions with hearty beef, creamy rice, and the savory depth only French onion soup can deliver. Topped with a layer of gloriously gooey cheese, every bite is pure homey bliss. It’s the kind of recipe that turns weeknights into something special, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or sneaking away leftovers for yourself!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how everyday ingredients come together to create big flavors and irresistible texture. Each component has an important role, from the juicy ground beef and soft, sweet onions to the creamy rice and golden cheese on top. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef (1 lb): The robust base protein that soaks up all the rich flavors in the casserole.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps the onions achieve that beautiful golden color and depth of flavor.
Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): The real star, bringing that iconic sweet and savory French onion essence.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp): Adds a savory punch and enhances the umami in the beef.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Lends a gentle background warmth that ties the flavors together.
Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp): Offers earthiness and a hint of classic French herb aroma.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the other flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): A touch of heat and complexity to brighten everything up.
Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup, uncooked): Makes the casserole creamy and satisfying, absorbing all those amazing juices.
Condensed French Onion Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Intensifies the onion flavor and brings everything together in a savory hug.
Beef Broth (1 can, 10.5 oz): Keeps the casserole moist and deepens the beefy notes.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a touch of tang for balance.
Shredded Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese (1 1/2 cups): That gorgeous, melty golden finish no casserole should be without!

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray, setting the stage for an easy release when your casserole is ready to serve.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, sweet, and beginning to turn golden. Patience here lets those natural sugars shine, giving the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole its incredible flavor foundation.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Once done, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole comforting without being too heavy.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix so the beef and onions are coated with those herby, aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Mix it All Together

In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, and sour cream. This trio makes the casserole creamy and luscious. Next, fold in your beef and onion mixture, making sure it’s all evenly combined for that perfect bite in every forkful.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Let the rice magically soak up all those delicious flavors while you relax.

Step 7: Top with Cheese and Finish

After an hour, remove the foil and sprinkle your casserole generously with shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and irresistibly golden. Let the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set the flavors.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving brings a pop of vibrant color and a subtle fresh note to balance the cozy richness. For extra flair (and flavor), try a quick dusting of black pepper or even a dash of crispy fried onions on top—just like the classic soup!

Side Dishes

To complement this hearty casserole, serve it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, some roasted or steamed green beans, or a big hunk of crusty bread for sopping up every last savory sauce. The French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole pairs especially well with light, crisp sides that add contrast to its comforting depth.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins, each topped with its own bubbling cheese cap. Or, scoop the casserole onto a platter and sprinkle with colorful microgreens or sautéed mushrooms for a bistro-worthy presentation perfect for a dinner party or holiday meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole will stay fresh for up to four days—making it a dream for meal prep lunches or fuss-free dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply assemble as directed but don’t bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Microwaving works for single portions, but the oven will help keep the rice and cheese at their best texture. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top if you like for extra melty goodness!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a lighter version. You can also mix in half pork for extra flavor, just be sure to drain any excess fat before assembling the casserole.

Do I need to cook the rice first?

Nope! The rice goes into the casserole uncooked and absorbs all the flavorful juices as it bakes, resulting in perfect, creamy grains every time.

Can I make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

What’s the best cheese to use on top?

Both mozzarella and Swiss cheese melt beautifully and offer mild, creamy flavors, but you can experiment with Gruyère for a more authentic French onion vibe or even sprinkle on some sharp cheddar for extra punch.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, green beans, or even spinach blend in well and add color and nutrition. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture from the veggies before mixing them into the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is pure comfort in a dish—warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every cheesy forkful. I hope you give it a try and share it with those you love; it’s sure to become a new favorite at your kitchen table!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and satisfying French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that combines tender ground beef with flavorful French onion soup, rice, and gooey cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Rice and Broth Mixture:

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
1/2 cup sour cream

Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Onions and Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté sliced onions until soft. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess grease. Season with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Rice and Broth Mixture: In a bowl, mix uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and sour cream. Combine with the beef mixture.
Bake: Transfer everything to the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 60 minutes. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest before serving.