French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef, savory French onion soup, and fluffy rice. This casserole is baked to perfection, creating a comforting dish that’s rich in flavor with minimal effort. The caramelized onions and beef bring a deep, umami-packed taste, making this casserole the perfect dinner for busy nights or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is an easy-to-make, filling dish that delivers comforting flavors with every bite. The combination of French onion soup, ground beef, and rice creates a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of rich, savory goodness. It’s simple to prepare, cooks in one pan, and is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite weeknight dinner. The subtle sweetness from the caramelized onions, combined with the depth of flavor from the beef, makes this casserole irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced (or 1/2 cup chopped)

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or any variety you prefer)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (or homemade French onion soup)

• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Beef:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break up the beef into small pieces. Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and lightly caramelized.

Make the Casserole:

3. Combine the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, sautéed onion, cooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×9-inch or similar-sized casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.

5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you prefer a cheesy, golden crust, you can also dot the top with a few small pieces of butter.

Bake:

6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.

Serve:

7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional herbs like parsley if desired and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35-40 minutes

• Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or carrots to the casserole for more flavor and nutrients.

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free French onion soup or substitute with a homemade version made from scratch.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may want to pre-cook it before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Can I use ground sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground sausage will work great in this casserole, adding a little extra flavor and spice. You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.

Can I use homemade French onion soup?

Absolutely! You can use homemade French onion soup instead of canned soup. Just be sure to use a rich, flavorful broth to get the right taste.

Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of French onion soup, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice in a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and delicious. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a busy weeknight or meal prepping. With its cheesy, comforting layers and deep, savory flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite! Try it tonight and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal!

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