Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup white long-grain rice, uncooked; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper

Craving something cozy and flavorful that brings the magic of French onion soup into a hearty meal? This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a bubbling, cheesy, and deeply savory dish that combines comfort food nostalgia with weeknight ease.

Each spoonful delivers rich beef, sweet caramelized onion notes, creamy rice, and golden cheesy topping in a perfect layered bite. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a busy week, or just need a satisfying bake to warm the soul, this casserole fits the bill. It tastes like it simmered all day, but comes together with minimal fuss.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole seamlessly, having the right tools is just as important as the ingredients.

12-inch Skillet or Sauté Pan – Essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions to bring out their natural sweetness. A wide base ensures even cooking without crowding.

Large Mixing Bowl – Useful for combining the cooked beef mixture with cream soups and rice. Look for a bowl with enough depth to stir everything easily without spills.

9×13 Baking Dish – The classic casserole vessel. Its size allows even baking and that golden, bubbling top layer we all love.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Great for stirring hot mixtures without scratching your cookware or holding onto odors.

Foil and Oven Mitts – You’ll need foil to cover the casserole during the first half of baking, and mitts to safely handle the hot dish.

A few reliable tools make the process smoother and cleaner, letting you focus on the flavors and that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.

Ingredients for the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a specific role in creating that rich, creamy, and satisfying flavor:

Ground Beef – The hearty base of the casserole. Use 80/20 for a balance of flavor and tenderness.

Yellow Onions – Sliced thin and sautéed until golden to deliver those essential sweet, caramelized French onion notes.

Beef Broth – Enhances the savory depth and moistens the rice.

White Rice (uncooked) – Absorbs all the flavors while baking and adds body to the casserole.

Cream of Mushroom Soup – Brings creaminess and a mild umami layer that complements the beef.

Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds richness and a touch of warmth to round out the savory base.

Worcestershire Sauce – A small splash deepens the meaty flavor and enhances the onions.

Shredded Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese – Melt beautifully into a stretchy, golden topping that finishes the dish.

Butter – Used to sauté onions and create flavor right from the first step.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings to highlight all the other ingredients.

How To Make the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until no longer pink, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In the same pan, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook on medium-low until soft and golden brown—this can take up to 15 minutes but is worth every second.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, sautéed onions, uncooked white rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch more salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble and Cover

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover with foil to trap moisture while the rice cooks.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes covered. Then remove foil, sprinkle cheese generously over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve clean portions.

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Casserole

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is best served hot out of the oven, when the cheese is still bubbling and the top is golden and crisp. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. A piece of crusty bread on the side also works wonders to mop up any extra sauce.

Leftovers? They reheat beautifully. Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick single-serving solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this ahead of time?

You can fully assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to partially cook it beforehand or increase baking time by 15-20 minutes while keeping it covered longer.

What cheese substitutes can I use?

Swiss, Gruyère, or a sharp cheddar would all work great. They bring their own twist while still melting beautifully.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, or peas blend in well with the flavors and textures without overpowering the French onion profile.

How do I prevent the rice from turning mushy?

Stick to long-grain white rice and make sure it’s uncooked when mixed in. Cover during the initial bake, and uncover only to melt the cheese at the end.

Is this gluten-free?

Not as written, since most canned soups contain flour. But you can substitute gluten-free cream soups to easily make it gluten-friendly.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you’re loving the savory comfort of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more of my favorites.

You might also enjoy the Sloppy Joe Casserole if you’re into beefy, saucy flavors that bake into a bubbling one-dish meal.

Or go bold with my Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe — it’s a spicy, cheesy twist on the classic that brings a punch to your weeknight dinner.

For something with a creamy kick, the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a fantastic side or vegetarian-friendly main.

And don’t overlook the fun, pizza-inspired Pepperoni Pizza Casserole that’s always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.

One more? The ultra-comforting Amish Country Casserole is packed with noodles and a creamy, old-school flavor profile you can’t resist.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your comfort food boards for the next chilly day. Just click the Pin button.

And if you try it out, let me know how it went! Did you use a cheese combo? Swap in brown rice? Leave a comment below — I always love hearing your tweaks.

Looking for more hearty, family-style recipes like this one? Head over to my LadyPlate Pinterest board where I post my daily creations and dinner inspirations.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a cozy, family-style bake that delivers the rich flavor of caramelized onions, savory beef, and creamy rice topped with golden, bubbling cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening—simple to prep, easy to serve, and impossible to resist.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Drain and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onions over medium-low heat until golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes.

4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, caramelized onions, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining salt and pepper.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil.

6. Bake covered for 45 minutes.

7. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheese over the top, and return to the oven uncovered.

8. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.