Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both filling and full of flavor? This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your new go-to! With savory ground beef, aromatic French onion soup, and tender rice, all baked together into a cheesy, gooey casserole, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

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

Savory & Flavorful: The French onion soup brings a depth of flavor, while the ground beef gives this casserole a rich, satisfying base.
Comfort Food: It’s everything you love about comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and cozy—perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight dinner.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup with this casserole, since everything bakes together in one dish. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Kid-Friendly: The melty cheese and tender rice are sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

Ground Beef: The rich, savory base of this casserole. Lean ground beef is best for balancing flavor and moisture without excess grease.
French Onion Soup: The star of the dish! This pre-made soup is packed with flavor and adds that signature caramelized onion taste.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. It absorbs all the flavors from the beef and soup while staying nice and tender.
Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates that melty, gooey topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
Garlic: A little minced garlic enhances the savory depth of the dish.
Onion: Sautéed onions add an extra layer of flavor and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory richness.
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and dried thyme bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this comforting casserole!

Preheat Your Oven:

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden top.

Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

In the same skillet, sauté the onions in a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, rice, French onion soup, and seasonings. Stir until well mixed.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the comfort of this hearty meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450 kcal (estimate)

(Note: Nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or melted cheese.
Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots would add a nice burst of color and nutrition to balance out the meal.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Rice Options: If you prefer brown rice, it can be substituted, though you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different cheeses, like provolone or Swiss, for a unique flavor twist.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This saves you time on busy evenings.

Q2: Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
A2: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work great in this casserole. Just be sure to cook the meat through before mixing.

Q3: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A3: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may need to add extra liquid as well.

Q4: Can I use homemade French onion soup instead of canned?
A4: Yes, homemade French onion soup will add even more flavor! Just make sure it’s a rich, flavorful version to complement the beef and rice.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?
A6: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A7: Definitely! You can add some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra veggies. Just mix them in when combining the other ingredients.

Q8: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A8: You can substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and use a dairy-free French onion soup if needed.

Q9: How can I make the casserole spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.

Q10: Can I use minute rice instead of regular rice?
A10: Yes, but keep in mind that minute rice cooks faster, so you may want to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking the rice.

Conclusion

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish—cheesy, savory, and hearty with every bite. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Don’t wait—get cooking and enjoy the savory goodness of this dish tonight!