There are few things as comforting and irresistibly flavorful as a casserole that combines rich, savory elements with the perfect cheesy finish. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings together caramelized onions, tender ground beef, and fluffy rice, all coated in a creamy French onion soup base and topped with a melty, golden cheese crust. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying family dinner or a dish that impresses your guests with its layers of deep, comforting flavors, this casserole is an absolute winner that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are at the core of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe, each one adding its own special touch to make the dish truly shine. From caramelized onions that lend sweetness and depth, to the trio of cheeses that create a luscious topping, every component plays an important role in balancing taste, texture, and color in this crowd-pleasing casserole.
- Long-grain white rice (1 1/2 cups, uncooked): Provides a fluffy, tender base that soaks up the savory beef broth perfectly.
- Low-sodium beef broth (3 cups plus extra): Adds rich, meaty flavor and moisture essential for cooking the rice and blending the casserole.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85–90% lean): Brings hearty protein and savory flavor to the dish.
- Yellow onions (3 large, thinly sliced): Caramelized for sweetness and depth to mimic the classic French onion soup taste.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Used for sautéing onions and adding richness without overpowering.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Provides a light but flavorful base for browning the beef and onions.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances umami and adds a subtle tangy complexity.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the onion flavor throughout the casserole.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic undertones that complement the beef and cheese.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon) and oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Bring subtle earthy and herbaceous notes.
- Bay leaf (optional): Infuses a delicate aromatic background during rice cooking.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon, optional): Helps thicken the caramelized onion mixture for a creamy texture.
- Condensed French onion soup (10.5 oz can): Forms the heart of the creamy sauce, packed with onion flavor.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess for a luscious mouthfeel.
- Whole milk or half-and-half (1/2 cup): Lightens and smooths the sauce.
- Gruyère cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded): Offers a nutty, melting cheese flavor synonymous with French onion dishes.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Contributes gooey, stretchy cheese goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Adds a salty, sharp finish to the cheese blend.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: To season and balance all flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
- Cooking spray or butter: To grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and will slide out easily after baking. Getting this step right sets the stage for an easy clean-up and beautiful presentation later.
Step 2: Rinse and Par-Cook the Rice
Before cooking, rinse your long-grain white rice under cold water until it runs mostly clear to remove any excess starch. This helps achieve fluffy, separate grains. Then, simmer the rice gently in 3 cups of beef broth for about 10 minutes until it just begins to soften but still has a slight bite. This par-cooking ensures the rice will finish perfectly in the casserole without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
This is where the magic of French onion flavor truly develops! Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet, then cook the thinly sliced onions slowly with a pinch of salt until they turn a deep golden brown and become wonderfully sweet, about 20 to 25 minutes. Be patient and stir often to prevent burning. Adding Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and optionally a bit of flour rounds out this rich, caramelized onion base that elevates the entire casserole.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
In a separate skillet, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil then brown your ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little extra onion powder. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and perfectly browned for maximum flavor. Drain excess fat carefully to avoid greasiness but keep a touch for richness.
Step 5: Make the Creamy French Onion Mixture
Combine the condensed French onion soup, sour cream, and milk (or half-and-half) in a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Stir in the caramelized onions with their delicious juices, then add half of the shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This creamy, cheesy mixture is the luscious heart of the casserole that binds everything beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Rice, Beef, and Sauce
Gently fold the par-cooked rice and browned beef into the creamy onion mixture. Mix thoroughly so every grain of rice and morsel of beef is coated with that irresistible sauce. If it feels too thick or dry, splash in a bit more beef broth to keep the casserole moist and ensure the rice finishes cooking beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Spread the combined mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps finish cooking the rice. Bake for 30 minutes, then check — if the rice isn’t fully tender or the dish appears dry, add a little broth, stir gently, re-cover, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This slow baking guarantees everything melds perfectly while the rice reaches just the right texture.
Step 8: Add the Cheese Topping and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the surface with the remaining shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts, becomes bubbly, and develops golden spots. This finishing step gifts the casserole with an irresistible, decadent crust that is both creamy and crispy.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking so it sets and is easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a fresh pop of color and flavor. Then scoop out generous portions, making sure each serving includes that perfect cheesy top, savory ground beef, tender rice, and sweet onions.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for this dish, bringing a lovely bright contrast to the rich, golden casserole. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper on top for an eye-catching finish. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives is another great fresh herb option for a mild onion flavor punch.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is rich and filling, pairing it with lighter side dishes is ideal. Consider a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, steamed seasonal vegetables, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. Roasted or steamed green beans, asparagus, or brussels sprouts provide a fresh, slightly crunchy counterpoint to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, topped with extra fresh herbs. You could also turn it into a potluck centerpiece by baking it in a decorative casserole dish and coloring the presentation with a citrusy side salad or roasted cherry tomatoes for bursts of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After baking, let it cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Storing it well helps preserve the creamy texture and rich flavors so every bite is just as comforting even a day or two later.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for up to 2 months. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw gradually overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes for a whole casserole or 10 minutes for single portions. You can also microwave servings on medium power in short bursts, stirring as needed to evenly heat without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add nuttiness and extra fiber, but since it takes longer to cook, par-cook it accordingly or adjust baking time to ensure it becomes tender in the casserole.
Is it necessary to use condensed French onion soup?
Using condensed French onion soup creates the signature creamy, onion-forward sauce in this casserole. If you want to make your own, a rich homemade onion soup concentrate can work, but the canned version keeps the recipe straightforward and consistently delicious.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can, by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based beef alternative or cooked lentils and using vegetable broth in place of beef broth. Adjust seasoning to enhance the savory depth, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian version.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?
For a dairy-free twist, try coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream substitute and plant-based cheese alternatives. Use lean ground turkey or beef and reduce butter to keep it lighter while still flavorful.
What wines or beverages pair well with this casserole?
Pair this rich French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe with medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Merlot, which complement the caramelized onions and beef nicely. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a robust iced tea.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those cozy, soul-satisfying dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory ground beef, tender rice, and that irresistible cheesy topping makes it a winner for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. I truly hope you give it a try and discover the joy of this comforting casserole for yourself—it just might become your go-to meal for years to come!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 45m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 45m
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and creamy cheeses with tender long-grain rice. Baked to perfection, this casserole melds deep, sweet onion flavors with rich beef and a luscious cheesy topping, creating an irresistible one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked (not instant)
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth (plus a bit more if needed)
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef, 85–90% lean
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 s fresh, minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker texture)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss), divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
- Rinse and par-cook the rice: Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until water runs mostly clear, then drain well. In a medium saucepan, combine the 3 cups beef broth and rinsed rice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer about 10 minutes until rice has absorbed some liquid but remains undercooked and firm in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat. Cook over medium to medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes for 20–25 minutes until deep golden brown and sweet. If browning too fast, lower heat and add a teaspoon or two of water. Once caramelized, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, oregano, and onion powder. Optionally sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over onions, stir well, and cook 1–2 minutes to reduce raw flour taste. Turn off heat and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with spoon or spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch more onion powder if desired. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed. Turn off heat.
- Make the creamy French onion mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk condensed French onion soup, sour cream, and milk or half-and-half until smooth. Stir in the caramelized onions and their pan juices, then add 1/2 cup Gruyère, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheeses. Mix well and season to taste with salt and black pepper, mindful of the saltiness from soup and cheese.
- Combine rice, beef, and sauce: Add the par-cooked rice (and any remaining broth) into the bowl with the creamy onion mixture. Add the browned ground beef. Stir everything until rice and beef are evenly coated and well distributed. If mixture seems too thick or dry, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra beef broth or water to provide moisture for final cooking.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam.
- Bake the casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove foil and check rice for doneness and moisture. If rice is firm and mixture looks dry, add a splash of beef broth around the edges, gently stir, re-cover and continue baking covered for 10–15 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Add the cheese topping and finish baking: Remove foil and evenly sprinkle remaining 1 cup Gruyère, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheeses on top. Return uncovered to oven and bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and garnish: Remove casserole from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls or plates, ensuring each serving has the cheesy top, beef, rice, and plenty of caramelized onions. Serve hot, optionally with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping in the casserole.
- Caramelizing onions slowly enhances their sweetness and adds deep flavor.
- Adding flour to the onions is optional but helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Partially cooking the rice prior to baking ensures even texture and avoids undercooked grains.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness, as cheeses and soup add salt.
- Allowing casserole to rest helps it set for easier serving.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half with milk and reduce cheese quantity slightly.
