French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole

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If there’s one dish I find myself making over and over again when I need something hearty, cozy, and downright satisfying, it’s this French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole. It combines everything I love about comfort food—rich flavors, gooey cheese, and a filling base that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible. It’s the kind of dinner that makes the house smell incredible and has everyone asking, “When’s it ready?”

This casserole has the soul of a classic French onion soup but the structure and bite of a cheesy beef and rice bake. The caramelized onion flavor seeps into every grain of rice, while the ground beef brings that meaty depth. Topped off with bubbling melted cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or potluck crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers that actually get better the next day, this one delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole

This casserole isn’t just delicious—it’s a one-dish wonder. Everything cooks together, saving you time and cleanup. The flavor is rich and savory with a touch of sweetness from the onions and depth from the beef. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples you probably already have. Best of all, it’s customizable, so you can make it your own with what you have on hand.

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What Kind of Rice Works Best in a Casserole Like This?

Long grain white rice is my go-to for this recipe. It holds its shape well and absorbs all the flavors without getting mushy. If you prefer brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cook time a bit. Avoid instant rice here—it tends to overcook and get too soft.

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Options for Substitutions

Out of ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken work just as well, though you might want to add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a flavor boost. If you’re vegetarian, try lentils or plant-based ground. Want to lighten it up? Use low-sodium broth and part-skim cheese. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re going grain-free. And don’t worry if you don’t have French onion soup—you can make your own with caramelized onions and beef broth.

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Ingredients for This French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Ground beef: The savory base of this casserole. It adds rich, meaty flavor and helps bind the rice together.

Long grain white rice: Absorbs the broth and onion flavor beautifully without turning mushy. Essential for structure and texture.

French onion soup (canned or homemade): Provides the signature flavor—deep, slightly sweet, and loaded with umami.

Beef broth: Helps cook the rice and intensifies the savory notes of the dish.

Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection. The mix gives a nice balance of creaminess and sharp flavor.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a subtle tang to the beef.

Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor and boosts the onion profile.

Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and adds richness.

Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary, then return to heat.

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Step 3: Season the Beef

Add garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir for another minute or two until everything is well combined.

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Step 4: Combine in the Baking Dish

Add the uncooked rice to your prepared baking dish. Pour in the beef broth and French onion soup. Add the seasoned ground beef and stir everything until evenly distributed.

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Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

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Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

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How Long to Prepare the French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Prep Time: The hands-on time is minimal—just around 15 minutes. Browning the ground beef and seasoning it is quick, and assembling the ingredients in the dish takes only a few more minutes.

Cook Time: You’ll need about 45–50 minutes for the covered bake, plus another 10–15 minutes to melt the cheese uncovered. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly an hour of cook time, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal.

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Tips for Perfect French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole

• Use uncooked long grain rice for the best texture—pre-cooked rice will turn mushy.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce. It deepens the flavor and enhances the beefy richness.
• Cover tightly with foil during baking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
• Let it rest after baking to allow the casserole to firm up and slice neatly.
• Use a mix of cheeses for the best melt and flavor combo. Sharp cheddar gives tang while mozzarella adds creaminess.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using instant rice will result in a soggy texture—it cooks too fast and breaks down.
• Forgetting to drain the beef fat can make the casserole greasy.
• Overbaking after cheese is added might dry out the top layer. Just bake until melted and lightly golden.
• Not seasoning the beef enough. Bland beef means bland casserole. Don’t be shy with the spices.
• Skipping the rest time can cause the casserole to fall apart when serving.

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What to Serve With French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole?

1. Steamed Green Beans

Light and crisp, they balance the richness of the casserole beautifully.

2. Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any saucy bits.

3. Mixed Green Salad

Add a refreshing contrast with a zesty vinaigrette or balsamic dressing.

4. Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts

These veggies bring a caramelized sweetness that pairs well with the savory casserole.

5. Pickled Red Onions or Beets

A tangy bite on the side cuts through the richness and elevates the flavor profile.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). You can add a bit of broth before reheating to keep it moist.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella and cheddar?

You can use Monterey Jack, provolone, or even Swiss for a deeper flavor profile.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake as directed when you’re ready.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but it requires a longer cook time and possibly more broth. Plan for at least 60–70 minutes of covered baking.

Is it okay to add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach mix in well without changing the texture too much.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the beef for cooked lentils or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—easy to make, satisfying, and full of rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, it brings warmth and heartiness to the table. With its simple ingredients, delicious texture, and cheesy top layer, this casserole is a keeper you’ll want in your regular recipe rotation.

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