French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This hearty bake combines tender ground beef, caramelized onions, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce all topped with melty cheese. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening and delivers big flavor with simple pantry staples.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed the whole family without fuss, this casserole is both budget-friendly and deeply comforting. The savory flavors of French onion soup blend beautifully with ground beef and rice, creating layers of richness in every bite.

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

This recipe is the ultimate one-dish dinner—it’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. You’ll love it because:

• It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal effort.
• Uses budget-friendly ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
• The French onion soup mix adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

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What Type of Onions Work Best in This Recipe?

Sweet onions such as Vidalia or yellow onions caramelize wonderfully and provide the deep, savory flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. If you want a bolder taste, you can use red onions, but the mellow sweetness of yellow onions is typically the best match for the creamy, cheesy casserole base.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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How To Make the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Melt butter in the skillet and cook sliced onions until golden and caramelized.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine beef, onions, cooked rice, soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Serving and Storing French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole serves 6–8 people, perfect for a family dinner or gathering. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven to keep the cheese gooey.

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What to Serve With French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

A Crisp Green Salad

Balances the rich, creamy casserole with freshness.

Garlic Bread

For scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Roasted Vegetables

Adds color and nutrition.

Steamed Green Beans

Light and crisp to complement the casserole.

Mashed Potatoes

For an extra layer of comfort.

Pickled Vegetables

Bright, tangy contrast.

Coleslaw

Crunchy and refreshing.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you’ll also enjoy these comforting favorites from NoraNosh:

• Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
• Spaghetti Squash Casserole
• Cowboy Casserole
• Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra cheese or try swapping in a different type of rice? Did you make it ahead and freeze it for later?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated casseroles, pastas, and cozy dinners on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new family favorite!

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