Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing pan)

Warm, hearty, and bubbling with savory comfort, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a weeknight dinner hero. Packed with tender beef, fluffy rice, caramelized onion flavor, and gooey melted cheese, it delivers that cozy French onion soup taste in a filling, family-friendly bake.

Whether you need something quick after work or a satisfying meal to stretch across days, this casserole delivers. It’s rich but not heavy, flavorful but not fussy, and comes together in one pan. Plus, it freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep or potluck duty.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Long grain white rice is your best bet for this recipe. It cooks evenly and maintains its structure in the oven. If using brown rice or wild rice, adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly.

Ingredients for the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing pan)

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole 2

How To Make the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to mix.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom. Pour the soup-rice mixture over the beef and spread evenly.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish Baking

Uncover and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve and Store This Casserole

Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness.

Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well in place of beef.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

Substitute with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce if you prefer less processed options.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Stir in some thawed frozen peas, diced carrots, or mushrooms before baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it when ready to serve.

Do I have to pre-cook the rice?

Nope! This recipe is designed with uncooked rice, which absorbs flavor as it bakes.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love cozy casseroles like this one, here are more reader favorites to try:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a creamy one-skillet dinner.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you’re craving cheesy comfort.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a crisp cheesy topping.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole for a creamy retro twist.
Taco Spaghetti Casserole to spice things up a bit.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board for easy meal planning.

Let me know how yours turns out! Did you go full French onion or add a twist? Maybe some Gruyère or caramelized onions?

I always love hearing how these recipes find their way into your kitchen. Questions? Comments? Drop them below!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings the classic soup flavor into a hearty, cheesy one-dish bake. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s savory, satisfying, and oh-so-cozy.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread cooked ground beef evenly in the dish. Pour the rice mixture on top.

4. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

5. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Return to oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.