If you are craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together effortlessly, the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. This dish combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and the unmistakable rich essence of French onion soup, all baked into a cozy casserole that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your soul with warmth. Whether you’re cooking for a family or feeding hungry friends, this casserole delivers satisfying flavors with minimal fuss, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple by featuring straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in creating a balanced flavor profile and hearty texture. Each item is easy to find but together they create a dish that tastes far more special than the sum of its parts.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein, forming the hearty base of the casserole.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Adds texture and soaks up the delicious sauce as it cooks.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup: Imparts that iconic sweet and savory onion flavor that defines this casserole.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds brightness, moisture, and a slight tang to balance the savory beef.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef beautifully without sticking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the overall savory depth with subtle aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional): Offers herbal warmth, complementing the French onion soup perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts into a golden topping, adding creamy richness and a crowd-pleasing finish.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready and perfectly hot when your casserole mixture is prepared for baking. Preheating sets the stage for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it browns evenly—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. After browning, drain away any excess fat for a cleaner finish. Next, sprinkle garlic powder, thyme if you’re using it, salt, and pepper over the meat and stir well to coat every morsel with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
While the beef is cooking, prepare your long-grain white rice according to package instructions. Be mindful not to overcook it, since it will continue to cook in the casserole. Fluffy, perfectly cooked rice is key to achieving the right texture.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Now for the fun part: in a large mixing bowl, bring together the browned beef, cooked rice, French onion soup, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices still inside. Mix everything thoroughly so that every spoonful of the casserole will have a wonderful blend of flavors and ingredients.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Transfer your beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil to prevent moisture loss, then place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the casserole to heat evenly through and through.
Step 6: Add the Cheese (Optional)
If cheese is your thing, sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella evenly on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Return the dish uncovered to the oven so the cheese can melt into a bubbly, golden crust that adds wonderful texture and richness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This little pause helps everything settle and makes it easier to scoop out neat portions. Then dive in and savor the comforting layers of flavor you just created!
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this casserole even further, consider topping it with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Their vibrant color brings freshness to the plate, while the mild onion flavor perfectly echoes the deep French onion notes in the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance the meal. Light and crunchy sides help cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast that rounds out your plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets. You can layer the casserole in a trifle dish with alternating layers of cheese for a dramatic presentation that still delivers every delicious bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway, to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture. Just be sure to fully cook it before combining as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the ground beef?
While optional, draining excess fat results in a less greasy casserole and helps the flavors shine without being weighed down by excess oil.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms, and use a vegetable-based French onion soup to keep the flavors authentic and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great options because they melt beautifully. You can also experiment with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a more traditional French onion twist.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Check the label on your French onion soup and canned tomatoes to ensure they contain no gluten ingredients. Using gluten-free brands will make this casserole safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe, it’s easy to see why it becomes a beloved staple. The cozy flavors, hearty ingredients, and ease of preparation make it the perfect meal for any night. So grab your skillet, get that oven warming, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting casserole that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate.
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef, aromatic French onion soup, hearty rice, and diced tomatoes, all baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously rich taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Soups and Sauces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up continuously as it cooks. Brown the meat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, dried thyme if using, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions until fully cooked. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, French onion soup, and undrained diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges.
- Add the Cheese (Optional): Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for the last 5 minutes of baking or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the beef cooking step.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- If you prefer, swap the French onion soup with beef broth and add caramelized onions for a fresher taste.
