French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef and rice casserole, easy weeknight casserole, one-pot dinner, comfort food casserole, quick family dinner

I still remember the first time I made this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole—my kitchen smelled like a cozy bistro and dinner was on the table in under an hour. This recipe combines savory browned beef, tender rice, and the rich, caramelized-onion flavor of canned French onion soup into a simple, satisfying bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a comforting one-pot dinner the whole family will ask for again. For a similar easy dinner idea, try this handy link to an easy chicken and rice recipe: Cajun chicken and rice.

Why you’ll love this dish

This casserole is a reliable, budget-friendly meal that requires minimal hands-on time. With pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s both kid-approved and weeknight-ready. It’s also forgiving—swap cheeses or stretch it with extra veggies and you’ve still got a winning comfort food casserole.

“This was a hit—simple, cheesy, and exactly the kind of cozy dinner my family loves.” — Home cook

How this recipe comes together

This dish starts on the stove where ground beef and onion are browned to build flavor. Uncooked white rice is mixed into the skillet with French onion soup and beef broth, so the rice absorbs those savory juices as it bakes. Topped with melty cheese and baked until golden, the result is a creamy, textured casserole that’s easier than it tastes.

Key ingredients

1 lb ground beef, 1 cup white rice, 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup, 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), 1 onion, diced, 1 cup beef broth, Salt and pepper to taste, Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Substitution tips:

• Use brown rice (increase liquid and bake time) or a quick-cooking rice blend for a slightly different texture.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat.
• For lower sodium, choose reduced-sodium beef broth and soup, or use homemade broth.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup white rice, 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese evenly over the top.
7. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad and a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed vegetables or roasted carrots work well for a kid-friendly plate. For a heartier spread, pair with crusty bread and a bowl of tomato soup. If you enjoy contrasting flavors, a spoonful of pickled onions on the side adds a nice tang. For another easy, crowd-pleasing rice meal to rotate into your dinner plan, check out Cajun chicken and rice.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the casserole, cover, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tricks for success

• Rinse the rice briefly only if you want firmer grains; otherwise the starch helps the casserole bind.
• If using long-grain or brown rice, adjust liquid and bake time—check package instructions and consider partially cooking the rice first.
• Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices cleanly.
• For a crisp topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.

Creative twists

• Add a cup of frozen peas and carrots for color and extra veggies.
• Stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the broth for deeper flavor.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based crumbled meat for a lighter version.
• Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking for extra crunch.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Yes—use instant rice and reduce baking time; check package directions and start checking doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Freeze fully cooled casserole in airtight containers for 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: How can I make it lower in sodium?
A: Use low-sodium beef broth and a low-sodium canned French onion soup, and taste before adding extra salt.

Conclusion

If you want more inspiration or a close variation, take a look at this version on Soulfully Made for another take on the flavor profile: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – Soulfully Made. For a slightly different beefy baked rice idea, this recipe at The Chunky Chef is worth a peek: Beefy French Onion Baked Rice Casserole – The Chunky Chef.

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• Cajun chicken and rice
• Easy chicken and rice recipe