EASY FRENCH ONION GROUND BEEF AND RICE CASSEROLE

I’ll always remember my college roommate, Sarah, who swore she could only cook ramen, but she always had a hidden talent for layering flavors–something I didn’t realize until she accidentally created the most amazing dip at a potluck using cream cheese, a can of french onion soup, and ground beef! That happy accident sparked an idea that’s evolved into this mouthwatering French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. You’re about to discover how simple it is to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, and I promise, your family will be begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Let’s be honest, we all have those nights when we crave comfort food but don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. This casserole is the answer! It’s the perfect marriage of savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, creamy rice, and that unmistakable French onion soup flavor. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Forget complicated recipes and fussy techniques; this dish is all about simplicity and maximum flavor.

Here’s what makes this casserole a winner:

• Easy to Prepare: This is a dump-and-bake kind of recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and rice are staples that won’t break the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will love the comforting flavors of this casserole.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it in advance and bake it later.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already!

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef (80/20 is great for flavor).
• Onions: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced.
• Cooked Rice: 3 cups of cooked rice (white, brown, or your favorite).
• French Onion Soup: 2 (10.75-ounce) cans of condensed French onion soup.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75-ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
• Beef Broth: 1/2 cup of beef broth.
• Shredded Cheese: 2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss, or a combination).
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, let’s get started! Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is super straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole on the table in no time.

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

This is the most crucial step! Don’t rush it. Caramelizing the onions properly will bring out their natural sweetness and add a depth of flavor to the casserole.

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown. This will take about 20-30 minutes. Be patient! The longer they cook, the sweeter they become.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip: If the onions start to burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a tablespoon of water to the skillet. This will help them soften without burning.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the onions are caramelizing, let’s brown the ground beef. This step is all about adding savory flavor to the casserole.

1. In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
2. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the ground beef while it’s browning.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part – layering all those delicious ingredients!

1. In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef, caramelized onions, cooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth.
2. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Time to get everything into the baking dish!

1. Pour the ground beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread the mixture evenly.
3. Top with the shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss, or a combination).

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Let it Rest (Important!)

This is crucial. Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set up properly.

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole

Want to take your casserole to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a total success!

• Use High-Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of this casserole, so don’t skimp on quality. Gruyere is traditional for French onion soup, but Swiss or a combination of the two works well too.
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Make sure your rice is cooked but not mushy. Overcooked rice will make the casserole too soggy.
• Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add some chopped vegetables to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrients and flavor. Diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For a crispy topping, sprinkle some buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
• Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about casseroles is how versatile they are! Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Different Cheese: Try using different types of cheese, such as provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
• Different Protein: Instead of ground beef, you could use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded cooked chicken.
• Different Soup: Experiment with different types of condensed soup, such as cream of celery or cream of chicken.
• Add Wine: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry red wine after browning the ground beef for extra depth of flavor.
• Different Rice: While I prefer traditional rice, feel free to experiment with quinoa or even couscous.

Serving Suggestions

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for side dishes to round out your dinner:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any casserole meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, are a hearty and flavorful side dish.

Other Casserole Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of casseroles, you’re in luck! Here are a few other delicious casserole recipes you might want to try:

• Try a Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice for a spicy and flavorful twist.
• For a classic comfort food dish, try this Chicken Casserole.
• If you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying, you’ll love this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole.
• For a fun and flavorful weeknight meal, try this Taco Casserole.
• If you are looking for a classic, try making my Salisbury Steak recipe!
• If you are looking for another ground beef based recipe, then my Baked Ground Beef Tacos are a great option.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice?

A: Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked rice to save time. Just make sure it’s not too mushy.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Absolutely! Gruyere and Swiss are traditional, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

A: Yes, you can add vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Easy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This easy casserole combines savory ground beef, caramelized onions, creamy rice, and French onion soup flavor for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef 80/20
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cups cooked rice white, brown, or your favorite
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese or Swiss, or a combination
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Equipment

• large skillet
• Separate skillet
• Large bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven
• Mixing spoons
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown (20-30 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef, caramelized onions, cooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix well.
6. Pour the ground beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Top with the shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss, or a combination).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking the rice. Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra nutrients. For a crispy topping, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking. The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.