French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

There’s something about a casserole that just feels like home. It’s comforting, filling, and has all the flavors you crave in one dish. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole takes the best elements of a classic beef casserole and adds a punch of flavor from French onion soup, making it even more irresistible. Think savory, tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, oniony broth that soaks into every bite. Trust me, this dish is one you’ll want to make on repeat—it’s hearty, comforting, and so easy to throw together. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers!

Why You’ll Love French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is everything you want in a meal:

Savory & Flavorful: The combination of French onion soup and ground beef creates a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to resist. The rice soaks up all that delicious broth, making each bite a little bit of heaven.

Hearty & Filling: With the beef, rice, and a hint of cheese, this casserole is a complete meal in one. It’s filling enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Comforting & Cozy: When you’re craving something warm and comforting, this casserole delivers. It’s the kind of dish you want to eat after a long day—cozy and satisfying.

Easy to Make: One of the best parts? It’s a breeze to prepare. Just combine a few ingredients, pop it in the oven, and you’re good to go. Minimal effort for maximum flavor!

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner all week. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for busy nights.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this casserole so delicious. It’s a simple list, but each one brings something special to the table:

Ground Beef: The base of the casserole, providing that meaty richness. You can use lean ground beef or whatever you prefer.

French Onion Soup: This is where the magic happens. The savory, onion-packed broth gives the casserole an amazing depth of flavor.

Rice: The rice is the perfect vessel for soaking up all that delicious French onion soup, creating a flavorful, filling side dish (or main course).

Cheese: We’ll be topping it off with shredded cheese, which adds a creamy, melty finish that brings everything together.

Onion: Adds extra flavor and texture to the casserole. Sautéing it before mixing with the beef brings out its sweetness.

Garlic Powder & Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, making sure every bite is perfectly balanced.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to whip up this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Cook the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, sauté the onion in a little bit of oil or butter until it’s soft and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, rice, French onion soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheese.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will give it time to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, or it can be enjoyed all on its own. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect balance to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra juices from the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots or broccoli, adds a nice touch of color and nutrients to your meal.
• Pickled Veggies: If you want a tangy contrast, serve the casserole with pickled cucumbers or onions.

Additional Tips

Want to get the most out of your casserole? Here are some helpful tips:

Customize the Cheese: You can use any cheese you like for the topping—cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of both. For extra richness, add some cream cheese to the mixture.

Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the casserole mixture.

Use Brown Rice: For a heartier, nuttier flavor, you can swap in brown rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes a little longer to cook.

Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding frozen peas or corn to the casserole mixture.

Leftover Tips: This casserole makes amazing leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice?
A1: Yes, you can use instant rice! Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking. Keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

Q3: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A3: Yes! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative to beef and will still make a delicious casserole.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes.

Q6: Can I add some veggies to the casserole?
A6: Definitely! Try adding frozen peas, carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q7: What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?
A7: Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of different cheeses would work wonderfully.

Q8: How can I make the casserole a bit creamier?
A8: You can add a bit of sour cream, cream cheese, or even some heavy cream to the beef and rice mixture for extra creaminess.

Q9: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A9: Yes, you can! Cook the beef and onions in a skillet first, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.

Q10: How do I get the cheese to brown nicely on top?
A10: To get the cheese nice and bubbly and golden, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Conclusion

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish for when you need something cozy, comforting, and delicious. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for a crowd, this casserole will not disappoint. Enjoy every savory bite!

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