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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole featured image showing a baked casserole dish with a golden brown, bubbly top.

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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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
  • 9x13-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 9x13 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.