French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
If there’s one dish that instantly brings comfort to my table, it’s this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It’s not just hearty, it’s deeply savory, packed with rich flavors and creamy textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I pulled this casserole out of the oven, the golden crust bubbling around the edges, and the smell of caramelized onions and seasoned beef filling my kitchen—it was love at first bite.
I’ve made many casseroles over the years, but this one holds a special place. The blend of ground beef and the essence of French onion soup melds beautifully with tender rice and melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone at the table for seconds and thirds. It’s also one of those recipes that feels like it took hours, but really doesn’t—a total weeknight winner.
What I love most is how flexible this casserole is. You can dress it up for guests or keep it humble for a cozy family dinner. It’s freezer-friendly, make-ahead ready, and always hits the spot no matter the season. Whether I’m meal prepping or hosting friends, this casserole never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s loaded with rich, meaty flavor and has that cheesy, crispy top that makes every bite satisfying. It comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have at home, making it both convenient and budget-friendly. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are a delicious bonus.
How to Make the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by cooking your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked white rice, a can of condensed French onion soup, a bit of sour cream, and shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese. Stir everything together until well blended.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top it with a layer of shredded cheese for that beautiful golden crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or crispy fried onions just before serving for a pop of flavor and texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
You can easily switch up this casserole depending on what you have. Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer something lighter. Use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. If you want more veggies, stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach to bulk it up. And if you’re out of French onion soup, a mix of beef broth and caramelized onions works just as well.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own, but I love rounding it out with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a side of garlicky green beans. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside crusty French bread or dinner rolls to scoop up every last bit of sauce. A glass of red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet, pairs beautifully with the savory richness.
If you’re hosting, this dish also works great as part of a buffet-style dinner. Offer it next to roasted vegetables or a fresh tomato cucumber salad for balance. For a Southern-style dinner, you can even serve it with a side of baked macaroni and cheese or sweet potato casserole.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers store wonderfully. Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake as directed when ready to serve.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is my go-to, but jasmine or basmati rice work just as well. Just make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it in.
Can I use fresh onions instead of canned soup?
Yes! If you’d rather not use canned soup, sauté two large sliced onions until golden and soft, then add beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to replicate the flavor.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be. Make sure to use a gluten-free French onion soup or homemade substitute, and double-check your other ingredients.
What cheese melts best for the topping?
Mozzarella is a favorite for its gooey stretch, but Swiss cheese or a mix of cheddar and provolone also work wonderfully.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you’re into creamy, cheesy casseroles that deliver big on flavor, don’t miss my Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese. For another hearty bake, try the comforting No Peek Chicken Casserole. And if you’re looking for a quick pasta dish, the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta makes a fantastic weeknight option.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it when the comfort food cravings hit. Share it on Facebook or send it to your best friend who’s always on the hunt for easy, delicious recipes. This dish is too good to keep to yourself!
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner that brings together savory ground beef, creamy rice, and the rich flavor of French onion soup in one bubbling, cheesy bake. It’s an easy family-friendly recipe that delivers deep, layered flavor with minimal prep. This hearty casserole is perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or potluck gatherings. With simple pantry ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions, you'll have a cheesy, satisfying dish on the table in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Crispy fried onions for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 or 9x13 casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, French onion soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or crispy fried onions if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Use homemade French onion soup or beef broth with sautéed onions if you want to skip the canned version.
- For a crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
