There’s something special about a dish that fills your home with rich, savory aromas, making your stomach growl in anticipation. This French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is one of those recipes. It’s the kind of comfort food that hugs you from the inside out—warm, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor.
Think of it as a game-changer for weeknight dinners. A little bit creamy, a little bit cheesy, and a whole lot of delicious, this casserole brings together tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and the deep, caramelized magic of French onion soup. It’s one of those “throw it together and let the oven do the work” meals, and trust me, it delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Love French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works as a cozy main course or a hearty side dish. You can dress it up with a fresh salad or enjoy it as is.
Budget-Friendly: Simple, everyday ingredients come together for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: A fuss-free recipe with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious with minimal effort.
Customizable: Want extra cheese? Go for it. Love a little crunch? Add crispy fried onions on top. This recipe is super flexible.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor. Browning it first ensures a delicious base.
Onion: For an extra boost of caramelized sweetness that deepens the flavor.
French Onion Soup: The secret ingredient that adds a rich, umami-packed depth to the casserole.
Beef Broth: Helps keep the rice tender and flavorful, soaking up all the goodness as it cooks.
Rice: A perfect carrier for all those bold flavors, ensuring each bite is satisfying and comforting.
Cheese: Melted on top for a creamy, indulgent finish. Because everything is better with cheese!
Butter: Adds just the right amount of richness to bring all the flavors together.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. This step builds the base of the casserole with a delicious, savory foundation.
Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook until they are soft and golden, enhancing the dish with a subtle sweetness.
Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the cooked beef, sautéed onions, French onion soup, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Mix until everything is well combined.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Add the Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it Rest: Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up while it’s warm, and watch everyone dig in with excitement!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 400 kcal
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add color and extra nutrients.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple, healthy side that complements the dish perfectly.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
- Use Leftover Rice: If you have cooked rice, adjust the liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs add extra texture.
- Double the Recipe: Make extra and freeze for an easy meal later.
- Try a Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss or Gruyère for a more classic French onion flavor.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative while still delivering great flavor.
Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but adjust the liquid and cooking time since instant rice cooks faster than regular rice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère all work beautifully, depending on your preference.
Can I add mushrooms?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms add an extra depth of flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Check your French onion soup and broth labels—some brands contain gluten.
How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the rice is tender.
Why is my rice not cooking through?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered, and use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is pure comfort food bliss. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting casserole combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with hearty ground beef and tender rice. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans beef consommé
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans French onion soup
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked (not instant rice)
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, cut into slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with garlic salt until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef. Pour in the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water; stir until well mixed.
- Evenly distribute the butter slices on top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
- For a cheesy variation, during the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese (such as provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella) over the casserole and bake until melted and bubbly.
- To reduce dishwashing, you can use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to cook the ground beef, then add the remaining ingredients and bake directly in it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 993 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg