French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect combination of hearty, savory, and comforting flavors.

Ground beef, tender rice, and caramelized onions are baked together with a creamy sauce and topped with melty cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s great for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

For the Casserole:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:
1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
1/2 cup French-fried onions

Directions

1. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Rice:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked rice and beef mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add the Topping:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the French-fried onions.
6. Bake:
   Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: 420
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 22g
Sugar: 3g

Expert Tips

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Gruyere or Swiss melts better and adds a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

Caramelized Onion Option: For extra flavor, caramelize the onions in butter before adding them to the casserole.

Rice Substitution: You can use pre-cooked rice or brown rice, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Substitutions & Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or mushrooms.

Extra Veggies: Add cooked green beans, carrots, or peas for more nutrients and texture.

Cheese Alternatives: Swap Gruyere with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect combination of hearty, savory, and comforting flavors. Ground beef, tender rice, and caramelized onions are baked together with a creamy sauce and topped with melty cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large skillet
• - Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• - Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• **For the Casserole:**
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• **For the Topping:**
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup French-fried onions

Instructions

 

• **Cook the Beef:**
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
• **Cook the Rice:**
• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• **Combine Ingredients:**
• In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked rice and beef mixture, stirring until well combined.
• **Assemble the Casserole:**
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• **Add the Topping:**
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the French-fried onions.
• **Bake:**
• Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• **Serve:**
• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.