French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

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Creamy, cheesy, and full of rich savory flavors, this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish you didn’t know you needed. Each bite layers tender rice, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, all finished off with sweet caramelized onions that add depth and a touch of indulgence.

Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners, this casserole brings together everything you love about a hearty homemade meal. It’s easy to prepare, economical, and most importantly, delicious enough to become a regular rotation on your dinner menu.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

You want something flavorful yet lean enough to avoid a greasy finish. An 85/15 ground beef is ideal—it gives you enough fat for juiciness and flavor but doesn’t leave behind too much oil in the pan. If you’re watching calories, a 90/10 mix works well, though it may be slightly less rich.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef – The savory star of the show. Use a quality lean blend to balance flavor and texture.
• Cooked Rice – Long-grain white rice holds up well and absorbs the beefy, cheesy goodness.
• French Onion Soup – This canned or homemade soup adds deep onion flavor with minimal effort.
• Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Shredded Cheese – A mix of mozzarella and cheddar melts beautifully and brings gooey comfort.
• Caramelized Onions – Slow-cooked until golden, they crown the casserole with a sweet-savory finish.
• Butter & Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing onions to perfection.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a hint of thyme elevate the flavor.

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How To Make the French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by cooking your long-grain white rice according to package instructions. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked rice. Fluff it with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rice, French onion soup, sour cream, half the shredded cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme). Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Onions

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. In a separate skillet, caramelize sliced onions in butter and olive oil over low heat until golden brown. Spoon the caramelized onions on top of the cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on the edges.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

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Serving and Storing French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

This casserole is best served hot straight out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the onions are golden. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a complete, comforting meal. For an extra touch, a slice of crusty bread on the side helps soak up every last bit of flavor.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well—wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything (except for the final cheese and onion topping), cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add the toppings just before baking.

What can I use instead of French onion soup?

If you don’t have canned French onion soup, a mix of beef broth with sautéed onions and a splash of Worcestershire sauce works in a pinch.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing into the casserole.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking. Covering with foil halfway through the bake can also help retain moisture. The sour cream also plays a big role in keeping it creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use a gluten-free French onion soup and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Sure. Peas, mushrooms, or spinach mix in well. Just sauté and drain them before adding to the casserole base.

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Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole, you might want to try these comforting favorites next:

• The Best Easy One Pot Sausage and Rice Recipe
• Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
• Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Made Fast
• Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
• Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or maybe a dash of hot sauce? Did you try a different cheese blend?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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