This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With rich, savory flavors from caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and creamy rice, this casserole is a satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a stress-free dinner option.
- Rich and flavorful – The combination of French onion soup mix, ground beef, and cheese creates a deep, savory taste.
- Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep or making in advance for busy days.
- Comfort food classic – A warm and hearty dish that’s ideal for cold nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Long-grain white rice
- Beef broth
- French onion soup mix
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Butter
- Crispy fried onions (optional for topping)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine ingredients – In a mixing bowl, stir together the uncooked rice, beef broth, French onion soup mix, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Assemble the casserole – Spread the cooked beef evenly in the baking dish, then pour the rice mixture over the top.
- Cover and bake – Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Add cheese and crisp topping – Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese and crispy fried onions over the casserole, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Use different cheeses – Try Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Swap the protein – Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Make it creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream for extra richness.
- Add veggies – Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition.
- Make it spicy – Mix in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (without the cheese topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Use long-grain white rice and avoid over-stirring the mixture before baking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to increase the baking time and add more liquid.
What can I use instead of French onion soup mix?
You can make your own by mixing dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free French onion soup mix and a gluten-free cream soup alternative.
What other toppings can I use?
Try breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or extra crispy fried onions for added texture.
Can I add more protein?
Yes, mix in cooked bacon or diced chicken for extra protein.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair well with this dish.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to cover it while baking and check that there’s enough liquid for the rice to absorb.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the rice is tender.
Conclusion
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With its rich, savory flavors and comforting texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, this casserole is a warm and satisfying meal that’s both easy and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy homemade dinner!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy rice, and French onion soup flavors, all topped with melted cheese and crispy fried onions. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner menu!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, French onion soup mix, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Assemble: Spread the cooked beef evenly in the baking dish, then pour the rice mixture over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Add Toppings & Bake Again: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese and crispy fried onions on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Prevent Mushy Rice: Use long-grain white rice and avoid over-stirring before baking.
- Brown Rice Substitute: If using brown rice, increase the broth by ½ cup and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free French onion soup mix and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
- Homemade French Onion Mix: Mix ¼ cup dried onion flakes, 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp garlic powder as a substitute.
- Customize the Cheese: Try Swiss, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor.
- Add Extra Protein: Stir in cooked bacon, diced chicken, or an extra ½ pound of ground beef.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the rice is tender.
- Crispy Topping Variations: Swap crispy fried onions with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or extra shredded cheese.
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