French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best

If you’re craving a hearty, savory dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It combines the richness of ground beef, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the warmth of seasoned rice into one deliciously comforting dish. This casserole is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to make, making it perfect for a family dinner after a busy day.

The best part? It’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze! With its savory, onion-packed flavor and filling ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

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

There are so many reasons to love this casserole. First, it’s super easy to make. You’ll get a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal prep, and it’s all cooked in one pan. The combination of ground beef and rice is always a crowd-pleaser, and the French onion flavor really takes it to the next level.

Another reason this recipe is fantastic is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or even make it ahead of time for a no-fuss dinner. Plus, it’s comforting and filling without being overly heavy, making it the perfect balance of flavors and textures for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty, delicious casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-Ons/Substitutes:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for variety.
• Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies in the casserole.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This recipe is incredibly simple and comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s dive right in!

1. Cook the Rice:
   If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked rice for this casserole. Brown rice works great if you prefer a healthier option!
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn golden brown. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as the beef cooks.
3. Add the Soup and Broth:
   Once the beef is browned, pour in the French onion soup and beef broth. Stir everything together, ensuring that the beef mixture is well coated. Add the Worcestershire sauce and give it one more stir. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Combine with Rice:
   Stir in the cooked rice until everything is evenly mixed. Once the rice is added, lower the heat to medium-low and let everything cook together for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef, onion, and rice mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can use more or less cheese depending on your preference!
7. Bake the Casserole:
   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tips

• Caramelize the onions: If you have extra time, you can caramelize the onions for 10-15 minutes before adding the beef. This step adds a deeper, richer flavor to the casserole.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, as it will need a little extra time if it’s cold.
• Add a crunch: For a fun twist, sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. It adds a delicious crunch and extra onion flavor!

How to Serve

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s perfect on its own, but you can always pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a great side dish to balance out the richness of the casserole.

For a more filling meal, serve it with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce on your plate. You can also serve it in individual portions for a more formal presentation at dinner.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Each serving of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole (without side dishes) contains approximately:

• Calories: 400-450 (depending on the cheese and meat used)
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
  (For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.)

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing: This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, defrost overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines savory ground beef, sweet onions, and cheesy goodness in one pan. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out!

FAQ Section

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can definitely use brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so be sure to adjust the cooking time for the rice if needed.

Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork. You can also make this vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or a combination of beans and vegetables.