If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dinner, look no further than this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It beautifully brings together the sweet richness of caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and creamy cheesy rice, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a comforting dish that’s hearty and simple, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is in its honest, unpretentious ingredients. Each one plays a vital part in creating layers of big, crowd-pleasing flavors and that irresistibly creamy texture. Let’s dive into what you’ll need—and why you need it!
- Ground beef: Adds heartiness and flavor as the backbone of the casserole.
- Olive oil: Helps caramelize the onions and adds a subtle richness.
- Yellow onion: When caramelized, brings sweet, deep notes reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
- Condensed French onion soup: Infuses the casserole with savory umami and that signature French onion taste.
- Beef broth: Keeps the rice tender and flavorful as it bakes.
- Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all those delicious flavors, becoming creamy but still holding structure.
- Sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess and a subtle tang.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that fantastic melt and gooey cheese pulls in every bite.
- Garlic powder: A simple seasoning that rounds out the savory base.
- Black pepper: Brings gentle warmth and depth.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying every flavor in the dish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): The perfect fresh, colorful garnish to finish things off.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Now, add the sliced onions and let them cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be patient—the slow caramelization draws out sweetness and gives this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole its magic!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Once your onions are golden and irresistible, push them to the side of the skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Work it until browned and cooked through, soaking up those oniony flavors. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that savory seasoning boost.
Step 3: Mix in Rice, Soup, and Broth
With the beef cooked, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, condensed French onion soup, and beef broth. This mixture is where all the flavors meld and the rice will soak up every last drop of goodness. Bring it to a gentle simmer, just enough to let the flavors come together, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream and Cheese
Reach for the sour cream and about two-thirds of the shredded mozzarella cheese (save the rest for topping!). Stir them into your beef and rice mixture. This is where everything takes on a creamy, dreamy quality, tying all those flavors together seamlessly.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that perfect melt. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese on top is enticingly melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the flavors settle before serving.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, a flourish of fresh chopped parsley adds a welcome burst of color and freshness. If you like a little crunch, scatter crispy fried onions over the top just before serving for a nod to classic French onion soup.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with simple sides lets it shine even more. Think a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to mop up any cheesy bits. These sides complement the rich flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try scooping spoonfuls of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings. Or, pile it onto baked potatoes for a comfort food mashup. If you’re entertaining, serve squares with mini picks for the ultimate party bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole stores like a dream. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftover lunches something to look forward to!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with a double layer of foil or use a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn and preserve texture, make sure everything is sealed up snuggly.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat slices or scoops in the microwave, covered loosely, until warmed through. For best results with larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and steamy. Add a splash of broth if you want to keep things extra moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While mozzarella creates that signature ooze, you can swap in Swiss, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole a day ahead, cover, and keep it in the fridge. Just bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure it heats through.
Can I substitute brown rice for the white rice?
You sure can! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid, so add a little extra broth and increase the baking time as needed to achieve tender, fluffy results.
What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
Most ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your condensed French onion soup and beef broth labels for hidden wheat. If needed, swap in certified gluten-free versions.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even baby spinach wilt in nicely and add extra color and nutrition. Stir them in while cooking the beef or onions to blend all the flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is pure comfort—effortless to make, full of flavor, and just waiting to become a beloved go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, give it a try and watch it disappear. Happy cooking!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of French onion soup with the heartiness of ground beef and rice, all baked together with plenty of melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Caramelize onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sliced onions until caramelized.
- Cook beef: Brown the ground beef with the onions, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in rice, French onion soup, and beef broth. Simmer, then remove from heat.
- Combine and bake: Stir in sour cream and 1 cup of cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for another 10–15 minutes.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use brown rice, adjusting cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or crispy fried onions as toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
