French Onion Ground Beef Casserole with Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting meal that wraps the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup around hearty ground beef and tender rice, look no further than this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole with Rice. It’s the perfect balance of savory goodness, gooey melted cheese, and satisfying textures that make it a family favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This casserole combines easy pantry staples into one delightful dish that warms the soul and fills the belly, all while being simple to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole so special. From the sweet caramelized onions to the tender beef, each component is straightforward but essential for getting that perfect blend of tastes and aromas.

• 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides savory richness without excess fat, making the casserole hearty but balanced.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup: This is the magic ingredient that infuses the dish with deep onion flavor and a touch of brothiness.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: Adds a fluffy, tender texture that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding gooey, creamy goodness and a golden finish.
• 1 medium onion, sliced: When sautéed to golden perfection, these onions provide sweetness and depth.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Casserole with Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole mixture is prepared. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced onions until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This takes about 10 minutes and is key for bringing out their natural sweetness and those classic French onion soup flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with those caramelized onions. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, usually between 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it—this keeps the dish from getting greasy and lets the robust beef flavor shine.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Soup

Now stir in the uncooked long-grain rice and pour in the entire can of French onion soup. Mix everything together so those fragrant onions, beef, rice, and savory broth are evenly combined. This mixture forms the base of your casserole.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Transfer your mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed those beautiful onion and beef flavors.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown that adds rich, creamy texture to every bite.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef Casserole with Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the casserole. You can also add a few crispy fried onions on top to echo that French onion flavor and add welcome crunch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is the star, but pairing it with crisp steamed green beans or a simple mixed salad brightens the meal. A crusty baguette or buttery dinner rolls are also perfect companions to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for a personalized touch. Or layer the casserole in a clear glass dish so you can admire the beautiful layers of beef, rice, cheese, and onions before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The French Onion Ground Beef Casserole with Rice keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor, making it perfect for quick lunches or an easy second dinner.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers long-term, this casserole freezes wonderfully. Just cool it completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results in the oven, cover with foil and heat at 350°F until hot, then remove foil to crisp up the cheese on top again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this casserole?

Long-grain rice works best for this dish because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. However, you can try brown rice or jasmine rice, just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth-based French onion soup for a meat-free version that’s just as delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to select a gluten-free French onion soup brand or make your own homemade version. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What cheese works best for topping the casserole?

Swiss cheese is traditional and melts nicely, but mozzarella offers a gooey, mild melt as well. Gruyère can also be a tasty upgrade if you want a nuttier flavor.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly after baking?

It’s best to freeze the casserole before adding the cheese topping, then bake fresh from frozen and add cheese near the end for the perfect melt and golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with the ones you love. Next time you want a cozy, fuss-free dinner that everyone will ask for seconds of, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!

Print