Easy French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
This Easy French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole combines savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and hearty rice baked in a rich blend of French onion and mushroom soups. Topped with melted cheese and optional crispy fried onions, this comforting dish is perfect for a simple family dinner with minimal prep and hands-off baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- salt, to taste (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- crispy fried onions, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking while breaking up the meat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir in the cooked beef and onions until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top during the last few minutes of baking to retain crunch.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows for cleaner slices and ensures a creamy, cohesive texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
- For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Feel free to switch mozzarella or Swiss cheese for your preferred melting cheese.
- Crispy fried onions are optional but add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Make sure to cover tightly with foil during baking to steam the rice properly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: French onion casserole, beef and rice casserole, easy casserole recipe, baked rice with beef, comfort food, cheesy beef casserole
