Cozy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic French onion ground beef and rice casserole that promises to warm your soul.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle with tender rice and rich caramelized onions.

The melted cheese creates a golden, crispy crust that beckons you to dig in.

Aromatic herbs and a blend of spices infuse each bite with deep, satisfying flavor.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and inviting.

This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Prepare to be transported to a cozy kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas and pure satisfaction.

How to Bake French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350F and give your baking dish a quick spray of non-stick magic.

• Meat Magic

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles until it’s perfectly browned. Wave goodbye to extra grease.

• Onion Dance

Toss sliced onions into the pan and let them waltz until golden and soft. Invite garlic for a quick 30-second shimmy.

• Flavor Fusion

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, and a sprinkle of herbs. Mix until everything becomes best friends.

• Casserole Creation

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and wrap it snugly with foil, like a cozy blanket.

• Baking Adventure

Slide into the oven for 45 minutes. Peek underneath the foil, give it a stir, and check if the rice is tender. If it needs more love, bake a bit longer.

• Cheesy Finale

Rain down cheddar, mozzarella, and crispy fried onions over the top. Bake uncovered until cheese turns into a melty, bubbly wonderland.

• Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a moment, then dive in and enjoy your delicious creation!

Flavor Boosters for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Add a splash of red wine while browning the beef to create deeper, richer flavors that complement the French onion profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinners super easy.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free beef broth. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
• Skip the oven and transform this into a skillet meal by cooking everything in a large cast-iron pan, finishing with cheese under the broiler for a quick 3-5 minute melt.
• Fold in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas during the rice cooking stage to add extra nutrition and color to the casserole.

Ways to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Gourmet Game Night: Elevate your casual gathering with this rich, comforting casserole that impresses friends and satisfies hungry guests.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the dish's robust flavors and add a light, nutritious touch.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for delicious next-day lunches, reheating gently to maintain the casserole's creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole the Right Way

• Easily transform leftovers into lunch portions by dividing casserole into individual containers for quick next-day meals.
• Store covered casserole in refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when sealed tightly in airtight containers.
• Wrap uncooked or cooked casserole in freezer-safe wrap, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating at 350F for best texture restoration.
• Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding small splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 325F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 6

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor foundation for the casserole, choose lean meat for less greasiness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and enhances meat's natural savory profile.

• Onions, Garlic: Create sweet caramelized base with robust depth, select fresh firm onions without soft spots.

• French Onion Soup: Delivers concentrated onion flavor and moisture to bind ingredients.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy texture and earthy undertones, helps create silky sauce.
• Beef Broth: Ensures perfect rice hydration and intensifies overall meaty essence.

• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, adjust according to personal taste preference.
• Thyme: Introduces subtle herbal notes, complement beef's richness with its delicate aroma.

• Rice: Serves as substantial base absorbing all delicious flavors, opt for long-grain variety for best texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp tangy melting layer with golden color.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates stretchy, gooey texture and mild creamy finish.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Adds crunchy textural contrast and extra caramelized flavor burst.

Kitchen Gear for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and cooking onions with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for mixing and baking the entire casserole.
• Aluminum foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing everything smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for perfect flavor balance.
• Cheese grater: Optional, if you want to grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded.

Hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty French onion ground beef and rice casserole delivers comforting midwestern flavors with a delightful twist of caramelized onions and melted cheese. Savory layers blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that welcomes you to enjoy every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven & Dish: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Meat Preparation: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef over medium heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any excess fat.
3. Aromatic Development: Introduce sliced onions to the pan, allowing them to caramelize and soften. Incorporate minced garlic, briefly sautéing to release its fragrant essence.
4. Flavor Fusion: Integrate Worcestershire sauce, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, seasonings, and herbs. Blend thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
5. Casserole Assembly: Transfer the robust mixture into the prepared baking dish, sealing tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors.
6. Baking Process: Place in preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. Uncover, stir gently, and verify rice tenderness. Extend baking time if needed to achieve perfect texture.
7. Cheese & Topping Finale: Generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the surface. Crown with crispy fried onions. Return to oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese becomes gloriously melted and golden.
8. Serving: Allow casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors meld, then serve this comforting, hearty dish directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Use high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for maximum flavor and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Slowly cook onions on medium-low heat to develop deep, rich sweetness without burning, stirring occasionally for even browning.
• Use long-grain rice and ensure proper liquid ratio to prevent undercooked or mushy rice; consider pre-rinsing rice to remove excess starch.
• Remove casserole from oven when cheese is just melted to avoid overcooking and maintain creamy, smooth cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg