This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a warm, satisfying dish that combines the deliciously rich flavors of French onion soup with tender ground beef and fluffy rice. It’s the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight, and with its cheesy, savory finish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup white rice, uncooked
1 tablespoon olive oil
One can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Swiss or mozzarella works well)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and French onion soup, mixing well. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture over the rice, stirring to combine.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as lentils or veggie crumbles.
Rice substitution: Use brown rice for a slightly nuttier flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice requires longer to cook.
Cheese options: Try other cheese variations like cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQs
How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?
To ensure the rice cooks properly, make sure it’s spread evenly in the baking dish before adding the beef mixture. The rice absorbs the liquid as it bakes, so covering the casserole with foil during the first 45 minutes helps lock in moisture and ensures the rice cooks through.
Can I use a different type of beef?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish. Just be mindful of the fat content as turkey or chicken might need less oil during cooking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge and bake according to the recipe instructions.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture. Just sauté them along with the onions.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until fully heated through.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s simple to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m preparing it for a busy weeknight or a weekend family meal, it never fails to satisfy. The cheesy, savory dish with tender rice is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to tweak to suit different preferences, making it a versatile go-to recipe. Enjoy!
Recipe:
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A warm, satisfying casserole that combines French onion soup, tender ground beef, and fluffy rice with a cheesy, savory finish.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup white rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Swiss or mozzarella works well)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and French onion soup, mixing well. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture over the rice, stirring to combine.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or veggie crumbles.
Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but adjust cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Cheese options include cheddar or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
The casserole can be frozen; bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
