Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup beef broth; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, then French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. This delicious casserole brings together the savory taste of French onion soup, the richness of ground beef, the heartiness of rice, and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Swiss cheese. It’s a true one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. With its layers of tender beef, fluffy rice, and creamy, cheesy topping, each bite is packed with robust flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to create this irresistible dish that will soon become a staple at your dinner table!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready by the time you’re done assembling the casserole. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Onions & Garlic

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and golden-brown.
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, but not burnt.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.

Step 4: Build the Base

With the beef still in the skillet, stir in:

1 can of French onion soup
1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices
1 cup of beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Rice

Once simmering, stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice.
Mix thoroughly to ensure that every grain is coated with the flavorful mixture.
Remove from heat and transfer the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake It Right

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top, and return it to the oven.
Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.
This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich layers of savory beef, tender rice, and melted cheese.

Variation

Cheese Swap: You can use Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar instead of Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles.
Protein Twist: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Creamier Version: Mix in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese before baking for an extra creamy texture.

Cooking Note:

Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil during the first bake to trap moisture and properly cook the rice. Removing the foil later allows the cheese to brown and form that irresistible, bubbly top layer. Keep an eye on it during the final minutes to avoid over-browning.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic bread or crusty French bread makes a perfect side to soak up the juices.
Pair it with a glass of red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the savory flavors.
Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are excellent vegetable side dishes for a complete meal.

Tips:

Pre-cook Rice Tip: If you’re worried about undercooked rice, you can lightly parboil the rice before adding it to the skillet.
Extra Cheese Tip: Double the cheese layer if you love it extra cheesy!
Time Saver Tip: Prep everything the night before, store in the refrigerator, and just pop it in the oven when ready to bake.
Make Ahead Tip: This casserole freezes well. Assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Portion Control Tip: Divide into individual meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx):

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 750mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

(Note: Values can vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used.)

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional broth and baking time.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes! Wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: What other cheeses work well with this dish?
A: Mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are all fantastic options depending on your taste preference.

Conclusion

The French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful dish that brings the savory depth of French onion soup together with the hearty satisfaction of beef and rice, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. The best part is how customizable it is — you can tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs, and it always turns out delicious. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale