French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a casserole. It’s warm, hearty, and often brimming with flavors that feel like a hug on a plate. If you’ve ever wanted a dish that’s both easy enough for a weeknight and indulgent enough for a special occasion, the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is exactly that.

This one-dish wonder brings together savory, seasoned ground beef, fluffy white rice, creamy French onion sauce, and bubbling, golden mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without hours of prep.

Whether you’re feeding a family of six or preparing a meal to impress guests, this casserole delivers flavor, comfort, and simplicity—all in one dish.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• All-in-One Comfort Meal: Meat, starch, and creamy sauce come together in one convenient dish.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to finish, it takes just about 40 minutes to go from kitchen to table.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
• Versatile: Swap cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Flavorful: Savory ground beef, aromatic French onion soup, and melted mozzarella combine for an irresistible taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance for a hassle-free dinner and bake when ready.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings and balances creamy, cheesy goodness with protein-rich ground beef and fluffy rice.

Main Components

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old for best texture)

Sauce & Creaminess

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
• 1 cup sour cream

Cheese & Seasoning

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Serving Size: 1 casserole portion per person

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven mitts
• Cheese grater (if shredding mozzarella yourself)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.

Step 2: Season the Beef

1. Stir in 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite of beef is evenly seasoned.

Tip: For a deeper onion flavor, sprinkle a pinch of caramelized onion powder if available.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, 3 cups cooked white rice, condensed French onion soup, and 1 cup sour cream.
2. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and creamy.

Tip: Using day-old rice prevents the casserole from becoming too mushy while absorbing flavors better.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly in the dish.

Step 5: Add Cheese

1. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
2. This will create a bubbling, golden cheese layer that makes the casserole irresistible.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the cheese toward the end of baking to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, flavorful dinner.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Swap: Substitute mozzarella with Gruyère, provolone, or a blend for a more sophisticated flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
• Make It Spicy: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the beef mixture for subtle heat.
• Low-Fat Option: Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to cut calories while maintaining creaminess.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

The French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole offers:

• Savory Notes: Seasoned ground beef and aromatic French onion soup provide deep flavor.
• Creamy Texture: Sour cream and melted mozzarella create a luscious, indulgent mouthfeel.
• Comforting Carbs: Fluffy white rice balances the savory meat and sauce.
• Perfectly Melty Cheese: Mozzarella adds gooey, cheesy goodness on every bite.

Suggested Sides: Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus to balance the richness of the casserole.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	480 kcal	Approximate
Protein	26 g	Ground beef and cheese source
Carbohydrates	28 g	White rice
Fat	28 g	Cheese and butter
Saturated Fat	13 g	Cheese and butter
Fiber	1 g	Minimal, mostly from optional parsley
Sugar	3 g	From condensed soup
Sodium	870 mg	From soup and cheese
Cholesterol	95 mg	From beef and cheese

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook Ingredients Ahead: Prepare beef and rice ahead of time and store separately in the fridge.
• Assemble Casserole: Mix everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore creamy texture and melt the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works well with the creamy French onion sauce.

2. Can I use fresh onions instead of condensed soup?
While fresh onions are flavorful, the condensed French onion soup provides a creamy, rich base that’s hard to replicate.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. Can I make it low-carb?
Substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb version.

5. How can I make it more flavorful?
Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor profile.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Cook ground beef	10 min
Mix with rice & sauce	5 min
Preheat oven & prep dish	5 min
Bake casserole	25–30 min
Rest before serving	5 min
Total	~40 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, comforting presentation.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and added freshness.
• Pair with a side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Twist: Add shredded Gruyère or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra melty cheese.
2. Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers into the beef and rice mixture.
3. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture for heat.
4. Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for aromatic depth.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

• Selection: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and fat.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Tip: Browning and draining fat ensures a non-greasy casserole with rich flavor.

French Onion Soup

• Selection: Condensed canned soup adds creamy, savory depth with minimal effort.
• Enhancement: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for complexity.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use day-old rice for better texture and flavor absorption.
• Toast the rice lightly in the skillet with beef for extra nuttiness.
• Stir the casserole well before baking to ensure even distribution of cheese and sauce.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Assemble but don’t bake; cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
• Cheese Tip: For best melting, use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	480 kcal	Includes butter and cheese
Protein	26 g	Ground beef & cheese source
Carbs	28 g	Rice and minor from soup
Fat	28 g	Butter, cheese, beef fat
Saturated Fat	13 g	Cheese and butter
Fiber	1 g	Minimal from parsley
Sugar	3 g	From condensed soup
Sodium	870 mg	Soup and cheese

Expanded Conclusion

The French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and flavor. From the savory, seasoned beef to the creamy French onion base and melty mozzarella topping, every bite is rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for family gatherings or potlucks.

Whether you’re craving cheesy indulgence, hearty protein, or a quick, one-dish meal, this casserole delivers all of it. Try it, savor it, and watch it become a family favorite you’ll return to time and time again.

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