French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and the rich flavor of French onion soup. This casserole offers layers of flavor and texture that make it perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

You’ll love how the classic taste of French onion soup blends seamlessly with the seasoned ground beef and mushrooms, while the rice absorbs all the savory broth for a satisfying, well-balanced meal. The topping of melted mozzarella cheese and crispy fried onions adds indulgent creaminess and a delightful crunch, making every bite comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 (10 oz each) cans condensed French onion soup
• 1 (10 oz) can condensed beef broth
• 10 oz reduced sodium beef broth (to fill empty can)
• 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
• ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• ¾ lb ground beef
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or white button)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce (optional)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2–3 oz French’s fried onions (optional)
• Freshly chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In the prepared dish, combine French onion soup and condensed beef broth. Fill the empty beef broth can with reduced sodium beef broth and add to dish. Stir in rice.

3. Layer sliced butter evenly over the rice and broth mixture. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes; transfer to a plate.

5. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to skillet. Season with garlic powder and black pepper and cook, crumbling, until browned. Drain excess fat.

6. Add sliced mushrooms and dried thyme to skillet. Cook until mushrooms are golden brown. Return cooked onion to skillet. Stir in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce if using; combine well. Remove from heat.

7. After rice has baked for 30 minutes, remove foil and stir beef and mushroom mixture into baking dish evenly.

8. Bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes.

9. Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese and French’s fried onions over the top.

10. Return to oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and fried onions are golden.

11. Let casserole cool 5–10 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve.

My Best Tips for Success

• Use a good quality beef broth and French onion soup for rich flavors.

• Don’t overcook onions; keep them soft and translucent without browning.

• Deglaze skillet with soy and Worcestershire sauces for added depth.

• Keep the rice covered initially for even cooking and moisture retention.

• Add fried onions last minute to maintain their crispness.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Add shredded cheddar or provolone cheese for extra meltiness.

• Mix in chopped bell peppers or spinach for added veggies.

• Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef.

• Top with crispy jalapeños for a spicy twist.

• Serve with a side of green beans or steamed broccoli.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase baking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can this casserole be made ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking; adjust cooking time slightly.

Are soy and Worcestershire sauces necessary?

They add flavor but can be omitted or replaced with alternatives.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can this recipe be frozen?

Yes, freeze cooked casserole; thaw overnight and reheat wrapped.

What can I serve as sides?

Simple steamed veggies, salad, or roasted potatoes complement well.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A rich, savory comfort dish combining ground beef, tender rice, and deep French onion soup flavors, topped with melty mozzarella and crispy fried onions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 (10 oz) cans condensed French onion soup

1 (10 oz) can condensed beef broth

10 oz reduced-sodium beef broth (fill the empty beef broth can)

2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

½ cup unsalted butter, sliced

1 medium yellow onion, diced

¾ lb ground beef

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp black pepper

8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or white button)

¼ tsp dried thyme

1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce (optional)

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2–3 oz French’s fried onions (optional topping)

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.

2. Cook rice: In the dish, mix French onion soup and both types of beef broth. Stir in rice and top evenly with butter slices. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

3. Cook beef mixture: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Transfer to a plate.

4. Brown beef: Increase heat to medium‑high. Add ground beef, season with garlic powder and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

5. Add vegetables: Stir mushrooms and dried thyme into beef. Cook until mushrooms are golden. Return onions to pan. Add soy sauce and Worcestershire if desired. Mix well and remove from heat.

6. Combine casserole: After rice has baked 30 minutes, remove foil and stir in beef‑mushroom mixture evenly. Bake uncovered for another 25 minutes.

7. Add toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella and fried onions on top. Bake 5–7 minutes more until cheese melts and onions are golden.

8. Serve: Let stand 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

See also  Keto Diet Cream Of Mushroom Soup​

Notes

Use quality beef broth and French onion soup for deep flavor. Keep onions translucent for authentic French onion taste. Add soy and Worcestershire sauces to enhance umami. Cover initially to produce soft, tender rice. Bake toppings last for crispy, melty finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Dish, Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: french onion beef and rice casserole, cheesy beef casserole, ground beef comfort food, french onion rice bake, easy beef dinner