French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that combines savory beef, tender rice, and rich flavors from French onion soup. It’s an easy dish to prepare and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste (optional)
• Crispy fried onions, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if using.
4. Step 4: Stir the cooked beef and onions into the rice mixture until everything is evenly combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam.
6. Step 6: Bake covered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. For extra crunch, add crispy fried onions during the last few minutes.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to achieve cleaner slices and the creamiest texture.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute mozzarella or Swiss cheese with cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra veggies.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when mixing the ingredients.
• For gluten-free cooking, ensure the soups and broth are labeled gluten-free or make homemade versions.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and warm until heated through, or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

It’s best to use uncooked rice as it cooks along with the other ingredients, absorbing the flavors and liquid. Using cooked rice could result in a mushy texture.

Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?

Yes, covering the casserole traps steam that helps cook the rice evenly and keeps the dish moist. Removing the cover for the last few minutes allows the cheese to melt and brown nicely.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

This comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines savory ground beef and onions with flavorful soups and tender rice, all baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese and crispy onions for a hearty and delicious meal.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• salt, to taste (optional)

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• crispy fried onions, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking while breaking up the meat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if desired. Mix thoroughly to integrate all the flavors.
4. Combine Beef Mixture: Stir the cooked ground beef and onion into the rice and soup mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Prepare for Baking: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam which will help the rice cook evenly.
6. Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, ensuring a creamy texture without standing liquid.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add crispy fried onions in the last few minutes if you want extra crunch and flavor.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set, resulting in cleaner slices and a creamy, well-blended texture.

Notes

• For a lower sodium version, use low sodium beef broth and soups.
• Substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese for a more authentic French onion flavor.
• Precook the rice slightly for even faster baking if desired, reducing baking time accordingly.
• Customize with additional herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
• Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for convenient future meals.

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, beef and rice casserole, baked casserole recipe, comfort food, one-dish meal