French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, this dish combines juicy ground beef seasoned with French onion soup mix, tender rice, and a delightful topping of melted cheese and crispy French-fried onions.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole
• How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 3: Mix Ingredients
• Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 5: Bake Covered
• Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
• Step 7: Finish with French-Fried Onions
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Pair with a Fresh Salad
• Add Some Vegetables
• Consider Bread Options
• Think About Drinks
• How to Perfect French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Reheating French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
• Can I use different types of cheese?
• How do I customize my French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
• Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this casserole in no time.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of French onion soup and beef creates a savory depth that satisfies every palate.
• One-Pan Wonder: This recipe requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for those hectic nights when you want delicious comfort food without the hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a main dish or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to eat, great for meal prep!

Tools and Preparation

To make the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly, enhancing its flavor before it goes into the casserole.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for baking the casserole, ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly, making sure each bite is full of flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

For the Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• ½ cup French-fried onions
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Drain excess grease.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Combine uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth until well mixed.
2. Stir in cooked ground beef and sour cream until everything is combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish:
1. Spread evenly across the dish.
2. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole with foil:
1. Bake for 40 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Remove foil:
1. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Finish with French-Fried Onions

Sprinkle French-fried onions on top:
1. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. Serving it with the right sides can elevate your meal and enhance its flavors.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing and croutons adds a crunchy texture that complements the dish.

Add Some Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted until tender make a colorful addition.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrition and a slight crunch, making it a great side choice.

Consider Bread Options

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread can be a delightful pairing for scooping up the casserole.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole.

Think About Drinks

• Red Wine: A glass of red wine enhances the rich flavors of the beef and cheese in the casserole.
• Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon is perfect to cleanse the palate.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To achieve the best results with your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, consider these helpful tips. They ensure your meal is flavorful and satisfying.

• Use High-Quality Beef: Choosing lean ground beef enhances flavor without excess grease.
• Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Properly seasoning your beef before mixing helps bring out all flavors in the casserole.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly lets it set up nicely for easier serving.
• Experiment with Cheese: Mixing mozzarella and Swiss can add depth; feel free to try other cheeses you enjoy.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme brightens flavors and adds visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Complementing your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that pairs beautifully.
2. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide crunch and elegance.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness that contrasts well with the hearty casserole.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings sweetness to balance savory flavors in your meal.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness offers a delightful contrast while being nutritious.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables can add a healthy grain option to round out your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole even better.

• Using the wrong rice type: Always use long-grain white rice, as other types may not cook properly and could turn mushy.
• Not browning the beef: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in less flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before mixing.
• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your dish will lead to bland results. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor.
• Not covering while baking: If you don’t cover the casserole with foil initially, it may dry out. Cover it for the first part of baking to keep moisture in.
• Overloading on cheese: While cheese is delicious, adding too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced flavor.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, rice, French onion soup mix, cheese, and crispy toppings.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella or Swiss are ideal, you can try cheddar or gouda for varied flavors.

How do I customize my French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You can also use ground turkey instead of beef.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole is great for meal prep; just store portions in individual containers for easy reheating during the week.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!