French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
Savory Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with French Onion Flavor
If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that brings a rich, savory depth of flavor to your dinner table, look no further than this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and loaded with flavor. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or lazy Sundays when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
At the heart of this casserole is a humble list of ingredients: ground beef, rice, beef broth, onions, and cheese. But the way they come together creates a beautifully balanced, crave-worthy meal that can win over even the pickiest eaters. The star of this dish is the caramelized onions, which give it that deep, slightly sweet and savory flavor reminiscent of French onion soup—only heartier, with the addition of beef and rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup French fried onions (optional, for topping)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the onions to become soft, caramelized, and golden brown. This slow cooking process brings out their natural sugars and deepens the flavor, which is essential to replicating the classic French onion taste.
Once your onions are caramelized to perfection, add the ground beef directly into the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Sauté the mixture until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, but be sure not to lose too much of the flavorful drippings.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and every bite will be rich in flavor.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir the mixture well until the rice is evenly distributed and fully coated with the broth.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and allow the rice to cook properly.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking period gives the rice time to absorb the broth and soften.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re using French fried onions, sprinkle them over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking to add a crunchy, golden finish.
Once it’s done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle and makes it easier to portion.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This dish hits all the marks when it comes to comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and made with simple pantry staples. The caramelized onions give it an elegant twist, making it taste far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. The Swiss cheese adds a creamy, slightly nutty layer of flavor that melts beautifully on top, while the rice soaks up all the meaty juices and seasonings.
This casserole is also incredibly versatile. You can swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. You can also use brown rice instead of white (just adjust cooking times and add extra liquid as needed), or add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans for added color and nutrition.
If you’re looking to make it even more indulgent, try stirring in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking, or use Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss for a more traditional French onion soup flavor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the onions: Caramelizing onions takes time. If you cook them too fast, they’ll brown unevenly or even burn. Low and slow is the key to that rich, sweet flavor.
- Use good-quality beef broth: Since this dish relies heavily on the broth to flavor the rice, using a high-quality or homemade beef broth will really enhance the overall taste.
- Let it rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest before serving helps the rice firm up and allows the flavors to settle. It also makes it easier to cut clean slices.
- Add herbs or seasoning: If you love bold flavors, consider adding Worcestershire sauce, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge overnight, and baked when ready. It also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your dinner, consider serving it with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted green beans
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
- Roasted carrots or glazed Brussels sprouts
For a casual family dinner or even a weekend get-together, this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is guaranteed to please. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Plus, leftovers taste amazing the next day, making it perfect for lunchboxes or quick reheats.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
To reheat, cover and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a casserole like this. The melding of flavors, the layers of texture, the way the rice absorbs the beefy juices and the cheese melts into golden perfection—it’s the kind of dish that reminds you why comfort food never goes out of style. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and delicious, this dish delivers every time.