French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With layers of tender rice, seasoned ground beef, rich French onion flavors, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish delivers a satisfying and hearty meal in every bite.

A Comforting and Flavorful Casserole

This casserole is inspired by the classic flavors of French onion soup but transformed into a hearty, oven-baked meal. The deep caramelized onion flavor combined with juicy ground beef and fluffy rice makes for an irresistible combination. Topped with golden, bubbly cheese, this dish is both simple and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience – Everything comes together in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich, Savory Flavor – The French onion mix enhances the ground beef, giving it a delicious depth of flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness – A layer of gooey, melted cheese makes this dish irresistible.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

This casserole is a go-to for those who love comfort food with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping leftovers for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To create this comforting casserole, you’ll need a combination of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to make a rich and satisfying dish.

• Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef for a flavorful, protein-packed base. If using higher-fat beef, drain any excess grease after browning.
• Rice – Long-grain white rice works best, as it absorbs the flavors while staying tender. You can also use brown rice, but the cooking time may vary.
• French Onion Soup Mix – A packet of French onion soup mix infuses the casserole with a deep, savory onion flavor.
• Beef Broth – Enhances the richness of the dish while ensuring the rice cooks to perfection.
• Sour Cream – Adds a creamy texture and slight tang, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Cheese – Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the casserole, creating a golden, bubbly top.
• French-Fried Onions – These crispy onions add crunch and an extra boost of onion flavor to the dish.
• Butter – A small amount of butter enhances the richness and helps toast the onions for even more flavor.
• Seasonings – A pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder rounds out the taste.

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How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a fuss-free option for any night of the week.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked ground beef to the rice mixture and stir to combine. Then, mix in the sour cream for a creamy texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with shredded cheese, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Add Crispy Onion Topping

Sprinkle the French-fried onions over the top of the casserole. Bake for another 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

How Long to Bake French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Baking time ensures that the rice is fully cooked and all the flavors meld together perfectly. Here’s a breakdown of how long you should bake this casserole:

• Covered Baking Time: 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C) – This allows the rice to absorb the broth and cook through.
• Uncovered Baking Time: 10-15 minutes – This helps the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden layer.
• Final Crisping Time: 5 minutes – Adding the French-fried onions at the end and baking for a few more minutes ensures a crunchy topping.

In total, this casserole takes 55-60 minutes in the oven for the perfect texture and flavor.

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How to Store Leftovers

This casserole stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.
• Freezer: This casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

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Tips for the Best French Onion Casserole

Want to make sure your casserole turns out absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips:

• Use the Right Rice – Long-grain white rice is ideal because it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
• Enhance the Flavor – Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the ground beef while cooking can deepen the savory flavor.
• Try Different Cheeses – Swiss cheese pairs well with French onion flavors, but you can also use Gruyère, provolone, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Make It a Complete Meal – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra vegetables and texture.
• Crunchy Topping Tip – Add the French-fried onions at the last few minutes of baking to keep them crispy and prevent burning.

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, cheesy, and bursting with savory flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping leftovers for later, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!

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