French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the richness of caramelized onions with the savory goodness of ground beef, rice, and cheese. It’s a hearty one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something warm and filling.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 can 10.5 oz French onion soup
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can make this casserole ahead of time! Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
- For a creamier version, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese into the casserole mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a different cheese, Swiss or Gruyère would be delicious in place of cheddar.
- This casserole also works great as a freezer meal. Just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding about 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.