French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, hearty ground beef, and tender rice, you’re going to fall in love with this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines the best of classic French onion soup-inspired flavors with the comforting goodness of a baked casserole. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and crispy textures that will have you reaching for seconds without a second thought.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the key to nailing this dish. Each component plays an important role, from building the deep onion flavor to ensuring the rice cooks perfectly and the beef stays juicy.

• 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that holds everything together with rich, meaty flavor.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice: Adds a fluffy, comforting texture that soaks up the savory juices beautifully.
• 2 cups beef broth: Infuses the entire dish with deep, meaty flavor and helps cook the rice perfectly.
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Caramelized slowly, these bring sweetness and that signature French onion taste.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the onions without overpowering their natural sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the beef and onions.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts onion flavor without adding more slices.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that ties the whole flavor profile together.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts into gooey perfection for a creamy, tangy topping.
• ½ cup French fried onions (for topping): Adds an irresistible crispy crunch at the end.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and bright freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and let them cook gently for about 10-12 minutes. You’re aiming for a deep golden brown, soft, and sweet caramelization that forms the backbone of your casserole’s flavor. This step transforms simple onions into a rich, savory delight.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Next, toss the ground beef into the skillet with your caramelized onions. Cook it thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat—this keeps the dish from becoming greasy while preserving the beef’s rich taste through the seasoning step.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine evenly. These simple spices elevate the flavors, giving you that savory French onion soup vibe without the fuss. The thyme especially adds a subtle herbaceous note that ties the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine with Rice and Broth

Transfer your beef and onion mixture into a large bowl, then add uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir thoroughly so every grain of rice and chunk of beef is bathed in those flavorful juices. This combination is what makes the casserole hearty and comforting—the broth will cook the rice as it bakes, soaking in all those delicious beef and caramelized onion essences.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture in. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 30 minutes, giving the rice time to absorb the broth and soften perfectly while all the flavors meld together into something magical.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into bubbly, golden perfection, sealing in the moist, savory goodness beneath it.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

When the casserole comes out, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it settle so it’s easier to serve. Just before hitting the table, sprinkle with crispy French fried onions and chopped fresh parsley for that ultimate finishing touch — crunchy, fresh, and irresistible.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving not only adds a lovely burst of green but also brightens the rich, deep flavors. For those who enjoy a little extra cheesy goodness, an additional handful of shredded Swiss on top fresh from the oven is divine.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines best with simple sides that won’t overpower its bold flavors. Think lightly steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A crusty slice of rustic bread for soaking up any leftovers on your plate is always a winner, too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress things up a bit for company, serve individual portions in mini ramekins topped with extra French fried onions and parsley. This personalized touch feels special while staying true to the heartiness of the casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the leftovers every bit as enjoyable as the first meal.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the whole casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Microwaving works, too, but the oven helps keep the texture just like freshly baked. Add a few extra French fried onions on top before serving to revive the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and possibly more broth. You might want to pre-cook the brown rice slightly before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth—this will maintain the savory depth while keeping it meat-free.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure the French fried onions are certified gluten-free or omit them altogether. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.

What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have Swiss?

Gruyère or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that melt well and pair nicely with the onion and beef flavors. Cheddar can be used for a tangier twist too.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can definitely double the ingredients, but make sure to use a larger baking dish and possibly adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the rice’s tenderness as it cooks.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and packed with flavor that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why this dish earns a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation and beyond.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 289 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and tender long-grain rice baked together with melted Swiss cheese and topped with crispy French fried onions. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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
• ½ cup French fried onions (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
2. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, bringing out their natural sweetness.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced.
4. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly so the beef and onions are evenly seasoned.
5. Combine with Rice and Broth: Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a large bowl. Add uncooked long-grain white rice and pour in the beef broth, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter. Pour the beef, onion, and rice mixture into the dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
7. Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to cook and absorb flavors.
8. Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Top with crispy French fried onions and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added texture and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium beef broth if you want to control the salt content.
• If you prefer softer onions, sauté them longer until deeply caramelized.
• This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the French fried onions are gluten-free or omit the topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American