French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, savory, and totally satisfying, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your new go-to dinner hero. It’s a warm, bubbly, one-dish wonder layered with tender beef, fluffy rice, caramelized onion flavor, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Honestly, it tastes like the lovechild of classic French onion soup and your favorite beef and rice bake—and it is anything but boring!!

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What Is French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

This casserole brings together ground beef, caramelized onion flavor, fluffy rice, savory beef broth, and melted cheese into one ultra-comforting, no-fuss dinner. Inspired by the deep flavors of French onion soup, it’s packed with umami, loaded with richness, and finished off with a cheesy topping that gets perfectly golden in the oven.

Best part? It uses simple ingredients and comes together with minimal prep—just brown, mix, layer, and bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super satisfying and hearty
• One pan, one oven, minimal cleanup
• Packed with real flavor (thanks to onion soup mix and broth)
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Customizable with pantry staples
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly!

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite beef and rice casserole got upgraded with sweet, savory onion flavor, a hint of garlic, a creamy texture, and a cheesy golden top. It’s cozy and nostalgic but with that French onion twist that gives it a little extra depth.

Every bite is warm, comforting, and impossibly hard to stop eating.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers
• Balanced with protein, grains, and dairy
• No cream-of-anything soup needed (but you can use it if you want!)
• Easily made gluten-free or dairy-free with a few swaps

Ingredients for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 packet onion soup mix (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Use brown rice: Increase broth to 2 ½ cups and bake 15–20 minutes longer
• Make it creamy: Stir in cream of mushroom soup or cream cheese
• Add veggies: Mushrooms, green beans, or spinach go great in this
• Swap the cheese: Gruyère, Swiss, provolone, or cheddar all work
• Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version
• Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium broth and skip extra salt

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Brown the beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.

Step 3: Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef and onion mixture with the uncooked rice, onion soup mix, beef broth, and sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Transfer and bake

Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Add cheese and finish baking

Uncover, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan (if using) over the top, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired!

What to Serve with This Casserole

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts

Tips for the Best Casserole

• Don’t skip the foil—it traps steam to cook the rice evenly
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor
• Let it rest after baking so the casserole sets and slices easily
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for more umami
• If your rice isn’t fully tender, cover and bake for 5–10 more minutes

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or cream if it’s dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cooked rice instead?

Yes! Reduce the broth to 1/2 cup and skip the covered baking time—just heat through and bake until bubbly and cheesy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

Can I use fresh caramelized onions?

Yes, and they’ll taste amazing! Replace the onion soup mix with 1–2 caramelized onions and season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be! Just use a gluten-free onion soup mix and check your beef broth label.

Conclusion

If you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole will not disappoint. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, cozy enough for a Sunday supper, and delicious enough to become a regular in your rotation.

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