French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

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French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug. With a savory base of seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice, it delivers a hearty, satisfying meal. But what truly elevates this dish is the layer of creamy cheese and caramelized onions—rich, golden, and loaded with flavor.

This casserole is a weeknight hero: minimal prep, simple ingredients, and maximum taste. It’s one of those dishes you turn to when you want something cozy and soul-satisfying, but still easy enough to whip up without stress.

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Ingredients for this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Gruyère for extra depth)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook over medium-low heat until golden brown and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes, stirring often. This step is key to developing that rich French onion flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Base

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and the cooked ground beef. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Onions

Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or Gruyère) over the top, then layer on the caramelized onions. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as instructed when ready to serve.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly or partially cook the rice beforehand.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great alternatives with a similar creamy texture.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based crumble, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Do I have to caramelize the onions?

It adds a lot of depth, but in a pinch, you can use pre-cooked onions or even French fried onions on top.

What cheese works best for this?

Mozzarella melts well and keeps things mild, while Gruyère adds a nutty richness that’s classic for French onion dishes.

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