French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

This one started with a craving. I wanted something cozy, beefy, and packed with flavor—but without a lot of fuss. So I whipped up this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, and wow… total comfort in a dish.

It’s got rich ground beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and that sweet-savory onion flavor that makes it taste like it simmered for hours. The French onion soup mix adds serious depth, and everything bakes into a bubbly, golden top. No dry bites—just pure, saucy goodness.

This casserole’s been a game-changer on my weeknight dinner list. It’s hearty, filling, and super easy to prep ahead or freeze. Plus, it smells amazing while it bakes.

If you’re craving something warm, beefy, and full of flavor—this is it. Let’s make this casserole together and bring that French onion magic to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Savory Comfort in Every Bite: The beef, onions, and melty Swiss cheese make this dish a classic comfort meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, less cleanup—everything cooks in one skillet or casserole dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it in the morning and bake it when you’re ready.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Hearty & Filling: Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe makes 6 hearty portions, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. No fancy skills needed, just a little stirring and layering.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large oven-safe skillet or 9×13″ casserole dish
• Large sauté pan (if not using an oven-safe skillet)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful casserole (exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end):

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef: Use lean beef for less grease but rich flavor.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): Holds up well and cooks evenly.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup: Brings that deep, sweet onion flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture and acidity.
• 1 cup beef broth: Helps the rice cook through and boosts flavor.

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, sliced thinly: Builds layers of sweetness and texture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and warmth.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the onion and beef.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and ties it all together.

Variations for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Use Brown Rice: It works well, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.
• Swap the Cheese: Gruyère or mozzarella can replace Swiss for different flavor and melt.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
• Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Ground Turkey Option: A lighter option if you’re watching red meat intake.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the same pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

If there’s excess grease, drain it off carefully.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Soup

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the can of French onion soup. Stir everything to combine.

4. Stir in the Rice and Broth

Add the uncooked rice and beef broth to the pan. Stir again to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged.

5. Simmer Gently

Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once bubbling gently, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed.

If you’re using a casserole dish, transfer everything to it before covering and baking.

6. Add the Cheese and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rice finishes cooking. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.

Transfer the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so everything sets.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs best with light, crisp sides:

• Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: Think broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
• Crusty Bread: For soaking up those flavorful juices.
• Pickles or Relish: Their acidity cuts through the creamy, cheesy bite.

Garnish the top with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra black pepper for a simple, bright finish.

Storing French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cools and freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Use the microwave for single servings or reheat in a 350°F oven until warm throughout. Add a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching the rice.
• Don’t rush the onions—slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.
• Let it rest before slicing into it—this helps everything hold together.
• Taste before baking to adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~430 kcal
Protein	~25 g
Carbohydrates	~35 g
Fat	~22 g
Saturated Fat	~9 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sugar	~5 g
Sodium	~680 mg

French Onion Casserole FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase the liquid slightly and cook longer—brown rice takes more time.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Portion into airtight containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the full dish and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

What’s the best cheese substitute?
Gruyère is closest in flavor. Mozzarella or cheddar also work, but will give a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those dishes I come back to again and again. It’s easy to make, smells amazing while it bakes, and fills the whole house with cozy vibes. Whether it’s dinner for the family or meal prep for the week, this recipe gets the job done—deliciously.