The Ultimate French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering French onion ground beef and rice casserole brings comfort directly to your dinner table.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Layers of rich flavors promise a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Caramelized onions mingle with tender ground beef, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Perfectly cooked rice absorbs all the delicious ingredients, making each bite a delightful experience.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this hearty and simple recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish for future meals that spark joy and connection.

French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Classic Comfort Food

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine all ingredients in one skillet, making this recipe a breeze for busy home cooks who want a hearty meal without complicated steps.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with caramelized onions, ground beef, and cheesy goodness, this casserole delivers maximum flavor and satisfying texture that everyone will love.
• Flexible Family Pleaser: Perfect for picky eaters, this dish allows easy customization with optional breadcrumbs and can be served with multiple side dishes to suit different tastes.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples, creating a delicious dinner that won't break the bank while feeding multiple people.

Ingredients Needed For French Onion Beef And Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy base that absorbs the rich flavors of the dish and provides a comforting texture.

• French Onion Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauces that add depth and richness to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the savory flavors.
• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Seasonings that provide a classic and robust taste profile.

• Onions: Caramelized to bring a sweet and complex flavor to the dish.
• Butter: Used to help caramelize the onions and add richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, crispy top layer.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional ingredient that adds a crunchy texture to the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb for optional garnish that adds a pop of color and brightness.

Stepwise Guide To Prepare French Onion Beef And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Caramelize Sweet Onions

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice onions thinly and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally.

Let them turn golden and soft, developing rich, sweet flavors for 10-15 minutes. Set caramelized onions aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Use the same skillet to cook ground beef over medium heat. Break up the meat while cooking until it’s completely browned.

Remove any excess fat. Season the beef with garlic powder and black pepper for extra flavor.

Step 4: Mix Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked ground beef
• Caramelized onions
• Cooked rice
• French onion soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Stir everything until well blended.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve hot alongside a crisp salad or warm crusty bread.

Tips To Nail French Onion Beef And Rice Casserole

• Take time to develop rich, sweet flavor by cooking onions on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Remove excess grease completely to keep the casserole from becoming oily and maintain a perfect texture.
• Blend mozzarella and Parmesan for a crispy, golden top that adds delightful texture and depth of flavor.
• Replace French onion and cream of mushroom with low-sodium alternatives or homemade versions for healthier options.
• Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and ensure easier, more stable serving.

Variations To Change Up French Onion Beef And Rice Casserole

• Veggie Power Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap French onion soup with crushed tomatoes, add oregano and feta cheese, and use brown rice for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Low-Carb Hero: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a keto-friendly alternative that cuts carbohydrates while keeping the comforting essence.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, verify soup brands for gluten-free status, and choose certified gluten-free rice to make the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pairing Suggestions To Complement French Onion Beef Casserole

Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef and caramelized onions.

Create a crisp mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole’s heaviness and add refreshing brightness to the plate.

Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up delicious sauces and provide a crunchy textural contrast.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the casserole to introduce a light, herbal note that cuts through the dish’s richness.

Storage Suggestions To Preserve French Onion Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of broth to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer.

FAQs

• What gives this casserole its French onion flavor?

The French onion soup adds a rich, savory depth that mimics classic French onion flavor, while caramelized onions provide an authentic sweet and complex taste profile.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work great as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, this casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soups, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting French onion ground beef and rice casserole brings hearty midwestern kitchen magic to dinner tables. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and savory beef combine for a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Main Vegetables and Base:

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy finish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a perfect cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Transform onions into golden, sweet delicacies by slowly sautéing in butter over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure even caramelization.
3. Brown ground beef in the same skillet, eliminating excess fat and enhancing flavor with garlic powder and black pepper.
4. Create a harmonious mixture by combining browned beef, caramelized onions, cooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.
5. Distribute the blended ingredients evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
6. Elevate the casserole’s texture and taste by generously sprinkling mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs across the surface.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes bubbly, signaling a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering dish.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and accompany with a side salad or warm bread.

Notes

• Caramelize onions slowly over low to medium heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, which can make them bitter and harsh.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy and heavy.
• Choose long-grain white rice or brown rice for best texture, ensuring it’s pre-cooked and slightly firm to maintain structure in the casserole.
• Customize cheese blend by using Swiss or Gruyère for more authentic French onion flavor, creating a richer and more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 388 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg