French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, savory flavors with hearty ingredients for a meal that’s both easy and satisfying. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling, delicious, and family-friendly.
Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this casserole features tender ground beef, fluffy rice, caramelized onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together. The best part? It’s all baked to golden perfection with a crispy, cheesy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
If you’re a fan of French onion soup or just love a good beef and rice casserole, this recipe is for you! Let’s get started.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for that classic French onion flavor)
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (such as French’s)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until they turn a deep golden brown. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water or beef broth to deglaze the pan.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, caramelized onions, uncooked rice, beef broth, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and stir the casserole to ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Add the Cheese and Crispy Onions
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
- Add the crispy fried onions on top of the cheese layer.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crispy onions are golden brown.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: The key to a deep, rich flavor is to cook the onions slowly over medium heat. Don’t rush this step!
- Rice Options: You can substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Avoid instant rice, as it will become mushy.
- Make It Creamier: For an even creamier casserole, stir in ½ cup of sour cream before baking.
- Crispier Topping: If you love a super crunchy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing:
- This casserole freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warm.
Variations
- Chicken Instead of Beef: Swap out the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice and reduce the liquid slightly to prevent it from becoming too watery.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.
- French Onion Soup Packet: For an even deeper French onion flavor, mix in 1 packet of Lipton’s French Onion Soup Mix before baking.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Add ½ cup more broth and bake covered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed green beans, or garlic bread.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. How do I keep the crispy onions from getting soggy?
Add the crispy onions in the last 10 minutes of baking to keep them crunchy.
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a must-try for any comfort food lover! With its rich, savory flavors and cheesy, crispy topping, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Try it out and let me know what you think! 🍽️😋
