French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole takes everything you love about classic French onion soup—deep caramelized onion flavor, savory beef, and melted cheese—and transforms it into a hearty, oven-baked casserole. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich onion-infused sauce bake together into a cozy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
This casserole is especially loved for its bold flavor with minimal effort. By using French onion soup or seasoning, you get that slow-cooked onion taste without hours of cooking. Everything comes together in one dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or comforting make-ahead meals.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Deep, savory French onion flavor
- One-dish meal with easy cleanup
- Cheesy, hearty, and filling
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Classic French Onion Flavor Made Easy
Instead of slowly caramelizing onions for hours, this recipe delivers the same rich taste using French onion soup or seasoning. As a result, you get maximum flavor with minimal work.
A Complete, Hearty Meal
With ground beef, rice, and cheese all baked together, this casserole is filling enough to serve as a stand-alone dinner. Therefore, you don’t need many side dishes.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Because everything bakes in one dish, this recipe saves time and cleanup. In addition, it reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef
- Cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- French onion soup (canned) or French onion seasoning
- Onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth (if needed)
- Shredded mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone cheese
- Butter or olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Add onion and garlic
If using fresh onion, add it to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 4: Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, cooked rice, French onion soup (or seasoning + broth), salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Add cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 430–540
- Protein: 22–28g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40g
- Fat: 22–30g
- Fiber: 2–4g
- Sodium: Moderate to high
Tips for the Best French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use fully cooked rice to avoid a crunchy texture
- Drain ground beef well to prevent greasiness
- Add extra onions for deeper flavor
- Use Swiss or provolone for authentic French onion taste
- Let rest before serving so it sets properly
Variations & Substitutions
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Add mushrooms for extra depth
- Swap rice for egg noodles
- Make it extra cheesy with a blend of Swiss and mozzarella
- Use brown rice for more fiber
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for richness
What to Serve with French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Simple green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Cucumber salad
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using uncooked rice
- Skipping draining the beef
- Adding too much liquid
- Overbaking until dry
- Cutting immediately without resting
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave
- Add a splash of broth when reheating
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Conclusion
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is rich, savory, and deeply comforting. With its bold onion flavor, tender beef, and melted cheese, it’s a casserole that feels special while still being incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
General Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole