French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty casserole, especially when it’s packed with savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, tender rice, and a blanket of bubbly melted cheese. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth and your belly with satisfaction. It’s cozy, delicious, and exactly what you want to dig into on a chilly evening.

The deep flavor of French onion soup meets creamy, cheesy casserole goodness in this family-favorite dinner. It’s rich but not heavy, cheesy yet balanced, and a perfect way to transform ground beef into something crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes for taste, texture, and simplicity.

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What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Long grain white rice works best in this recipe since it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor without turning mushy. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for extra aroma, but avoid instant rice as it tends to get too soft and lose texture during baking.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground Beef – A classic protein base, it adds richness and hearty flavor to the casserole.

Yellow Onions – Slowly cooked to golden brown perfection, these bring that sweet, deep French onion flavor to the dish.

Garlic – Just a few cloves go a long way in boosting the savory profile.

Uncooked Long Grain White Rice – Absorbs all the delicious juices and bakes to a perfect texture right in the casserole.

Beef Broth – Enhances the beefy flavor and provides the liquid the rice needs to cook.

French Onion Soup (canned or homemade) – Deepens the flavor with its sweet and savory balance.

Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and helps create that irresistibly rich texture.

Shredded Mozzarella and Gruyère Cheese – A melty duo that creates that golden, bubbling top layer.

Butter – Used to sauté the onions until caramelized.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning each layer to bring out the best in every bite.

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How To Make the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook the sliced onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet. This takes about 20–25 minutes but builds incredible flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet or a new one, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with uncooked rice, caramelized onions, French onion soup, beef broth, and sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

Uncover the dish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Gruyère on top, then return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes.

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Serving and Storing This Casserole

Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme if desired. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and reheat perfectly in the microwave or oven. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth and vegetarian French onion soup.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time and add more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What if I don’t have Gruyère?

Swiss, provolone, or even sharp white cheddar are great alternatives that still offer a nice melt and flavor.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this cozy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole hit the spot, you’ll want to try these other comfort-packed dishes:

• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole for a veggie-forward bake with creamy goodness.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a meaty pasta twist.
• Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie if you’re craving a bold and hearty dinner.
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese that brings cheesy nostalgia to the table.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini if you love cheesy casseroles with a garlicky finish.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can revisit this ultimate comfort meal any time.

And let me know in the comments how your version turned out! Did you stick with classic Gruyère or mix in something bold? Did you sneak in mushrooms or bell peppers?

I always love seeing your twists and kitchen creativity. Questions are welcome, too—let’s make casserole nights even better together!

More daily recipes shared on my Pinterest: Life with Nina

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