There’s nothing quite like a hearty casserole to bring comfort to the dinner table. And when you combine the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with creamy textures, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese, you get a dish that’s impossible to resist. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is everything you love about a classic comfort meal—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, an easy potluck dish, or something warm and filling for a chilly evening, this casserole is the answer. It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, so you won’t have to make any special grocery runs.
Let’s get started on this delicious, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Everything comes together in one dish with minimal prep work.
- Flavor-Packed – Caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and creamy soups make every bite rich and satisfying.
- Perfect for Leftovers – This casserole tastes just as good the next day, making meal planning a breeze.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings to fit your family’s taste.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before we start cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish will ensure that your casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving later.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
One of the key ingredients that gives this casserole its signature flavor is caramelized onions. This step takes a little patience, but it’s well worth it.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add 2 thinly sliced onions and cook them for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- As they cook, they’ll turn golden brown and develop a deep, rich flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, set them aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Using the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a boost of savory goodness.
At this point, your kitchen should be filled with the incredible aroma of caramelized onions and seasoned beef—it’s a good sign that this dish is going to be amazing!
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Now that we have our caramelized onions and browned ground beef ready, it’s time to bring everything together into one delicious, creamy mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- The cooked ground beef
- The caramelized onions
- 2 cups of cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice all work well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a milder taste)
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything together until well combined. The creamy soups will help bind everything together, while the French onion soup adds an extra depth of flavor.
At this stage, you’ll notice how rich and flavorful the mixture already looks—and we haven’t even added the cheese yet!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that every bite has a perfect balance of beef, rice, and creamy goodness.
Next, sprinkle the cheese topping:
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
If you want an extra crispy texture, you can also add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs on top. This gives the casserole a slight crunch while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
For an even crispier top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. This will give the cheese a beautiful golden color and slight crunch. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it—broiling can quickly turn from golden brown to burnt!
As the casserole bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the rich, savory aroma of French onion soup, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned beef. It’s the kind of smell that makes everyone eagerly gather around the dinner table.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.
Serve hot with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts. Grating your own mozzarella and Parmesan will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Make It Ahead of Time – You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Customize the Protein – Not a fan of ground beef? Swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Try Different Rice Varieties – Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor, while wild rice gives the dish a more rustic texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Casseroles are one of the easiest and most versatile meals, but you might have a few questions before getting started. Here are some common FAQs about this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to help you get the best results.
1. Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice?
No, uncooked rice will not work in this recipe since the liquid ratio is not designed to cook it properly. Be sure to use pre-cooked rice to ensure the right consistency. If you want to use uncooked rice, you’ll need to adjust the liquid amounts and baking time.
2. What can I use instead of French onion soup?
If you don’t have canned French onion soup, you can make your own by sautéing onions in beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth. You can also substitute beef broth with onion powder, though the flavor won’t be as rich.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
6. How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up the casserole, you can:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
- Reduce the cheese or use a low-fat version
7. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions. Just sauté them with the onions before mixing them into the casserole.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you switch up the protein, try different rice varieties, or add extra veggies, you can customize it to suit your taste.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! If you have any favorite variations, feel free to share them in the comments. Happy cooking!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Description
This comforting casserole combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and creamy soups with tender rice. Topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice work well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.
2️⃣ Cook the Onions
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
Season the beef with garlic powder and black pepper.
4️⃣ Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, caramelized onions, cooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream.
Mix until well combined.
5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using) evenly over the top.
6️⃣ Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
7️⃣ Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can swap out cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a lighter taste.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
- This dish stores well—leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
