French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its warm, savory aroma and gooey cheese topping. Layers of tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and sweet caramelized onions bake together into a satisfying, budget-friendly dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or prepping meals for cozy evenings at home, this casserole has all the right textures and flavors to hit the spot. Plus, it’s simple to make, reheats beautifully, and can easily be tweaked with your favorite ingredients.

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

This recipe is everything you want in a weekday dinner. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor from caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and savory beef. It uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep work. The one-pan nature of a casserole also makes cleanup a breeze. If you’re a fan of anything “French onion,” you’re going to adore how the classic soup flavors are transformed into a full meal here.

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What Kind of Rice Works Best in This Casserole?

For the best results, go with long-grain white rice. It holds its shape well, soaks up the flavors without getting mushy, and bakes perfectly with the beef and onions. Avoid using instant rice, as it may become too soft or overcooked. If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, you can substitute with brown rice—just be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is made with simple, flavorful ingredients that come together in a comforting dish:

• Ground Beef: Adds a rich, meaty base that pairs well with the sweet and savory onion flavors.
• White Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for absorbing the juices and keeping a tender texture.
• Onions: Sliced thin and caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and signature French onion taste.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor and ties the rice and meat together with a rich, savory note.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth, giving the casserole that comforting, home-cooked flavor.
• Butter: Used to cook the onions and add a silky, indulgent base to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Typically a mix of mozzarella and Gruyère or Swiss to get that classic French onion cheesy topping.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and rice mixture.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds freshness and color.

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How To Make the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add sliced onions. Cook on medium-low heat until golden and caramelized—about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

While the onions are caramelizing, cook the rice in beef broth instead of water for an extra depth of flavor. Follow package instructions.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased casserole dish, layer the ground beef on the bottom, followed by the cooked rice. Spread caramelized onions evenly over the rice.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole feeds about 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it straight from the oven with a big spoon and let everyone dig in. The cheesy, bubbly top is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but leftovers are just as tasty.

To store, let the casserole cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

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What to Serve With French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Garlic Green Beans

Crisp green beans tossed in garlic butter add a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft casserole.

Simple Garden Salad

A light, tangy salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and adds color to your plate.

Roasted Carrots

Sweet and caramelized, roasted carrots offer a comforting and earthy side.

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

Use the bread to mop up any delicious sauce left on the plate.

Steamed Broccoli

A healthy and quick veggie side that pairs well with hearty main dishes.

Pickled Vegetables

For a bit of zing and contrast, pickled onions or cucumbers brighten up the plate.

Apple Slaw

A crisp and sweet apple slaw gives a refreshing counterbalance to the savory casserole.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe. Just be sure to season it well and consider adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use long-grain white rice and avoid overcooking it before assembling the casserole. Cooking it in broth instead of water also helps maintain structure and flavor.

What cheese works best for the topping?
A combination of mozzarella and Gruyère or Swiss gives you both melty goodness and the classic French onion taste. You can substitute with cheddar or provolone in a pinch.

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Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with turkey? Did you add a veggie layer?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more recipes like this one, follow me on Pinterest at Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. It brings together the essence of a classic French onion soup and transforms it into a full, hearty meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding it to your regular dinner rotation, this comforting dish is bound to be a hit.

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