French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience – Everything comes together in a single casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze.

• Rich, Savory Flavor – French onion soup mix infuses the beef and rice with irresistible depth.

• Cheesy Goodness – A bubbly layer of melted cheese makes this dish utterly satisfying.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep, and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef
• long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• French onion soup mix
• beef broth
• sour cream
• shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or Swiss)
• French-fried onions
• butter
• garlic powder
• salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly.

4. Add the cooked ground beef and sour cream to the rice mixture; mix until well combined.

5. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with shredded cheese.

6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Sprinkle French-fried onions on top and bake for another 5 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.

9. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Yields about 6 servings. Total time is approximately 55–60 minutes (10 minutes prep + 45–50 minutes baking).

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes, or heat individual portions in the microwave.
Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until thoroughly heated (about 20 minutes).

FAQs

1. What kind of rice is best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice works best because it absorbs the flavors well and maintains a tender texture without becoming mushy.

2. Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes and possibly add a bit more liquid to ensure it’s fully cooked.

3. Is it OK to skip the sour cream?

Absolutely—you can skip it for a lighter casserole. You might want to add a little extra cheese or broth for richness instead.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Swiss, mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a cheddar blend all work well. Choose based on how melty and flavorful you want the topping.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, frozen peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions. Stir them into the rice mixture before baking.

6. Can I use fresh onions instead of the soup mix?

You can, but you’ll need to caramelize sliced onions first and then adjust the seasoning accordingly—keeping in mind that the soup mix also provides seasoning and onion flavor concentration.

7. Can I prep this ahead and bake later?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for a few hours or overnight. When ready, bake as directed—add a few extra minutes to account for the chilled ingredients.

8. How can I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free French onion soup mix and verify that your beef broth is also gluten-free. Rice, beef, cheese, and most seasonings are naturally gluten-free.

9. What if I don’t have French-fried onions for topping?

You can substitute with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan, or even crushed potato chips for crunch.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yesjust use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes, and adjust the baking time slightly if needed to ensure the center is heated through.

Conclusion

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of cozy comfort food—rich, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. Its ease of preparation, deliciously cheesy top, and flexible nature make it a weeknight hero or a wonderful main for family gatherings. Plus, with great storage and reheating options, it’s perfect for leftovers or meal planning. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction in every cheesy, savory bite!