Introduction
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, savory flavors. A blend of ground beef, tender rice, and melty Swiss cheese, all infused with the deep, caramelized taste of French onion soup this hearty dish is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the French onion soup, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add rice: Stir in the rice until well combined, then remove from heat. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, caramelize the onions longer until golden brown.
- Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
Helpful Tips
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Let the Casserole Rest Before Serving – After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
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Use the Right Rice – Long-grain white rice works best in this dish because it absorbs liquid without becoming mushy. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time and add a bit more broth to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
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Caramelize the Onions for More Depth – If you have extra time, let the onions cook low and slow for about 15-20 minutes instead of just softening them. This enhances the sweet, deep flavor of the casserole and makes it taste even more like classic French onion soup.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a Fresh Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole. Try a mix of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes with a lemon or balsamic dressing.
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Serve with Crusty Bread – A slice of warm, crusty French bread or a baguette pairs beautifully with this dish. Use it to soak up the savory juices for an extra comforting bite.
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Add a Vegetable Side – Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a great side. Their fresh, slightly crisp texture complements the creamy, cheesy casserole perfectly.
Substitutions and Variations
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Swap Swiss Cheese for Gruyère or Provolone – If you prefer a bolder cheese flavor, Gruyère is a fantastic substitute, as it melts beautifully and has a rich, nutty taste. Provolone also works well if you want a milder, slightly smoky flavor.
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Make It a One-Pan Meal – Instead of transferring to a baking dish, you can prepare everything in an oven-safe skillet and bake it directly in the same pan. This saves dishes and makes cleanup easier.
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Try Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef – For a lighter variation, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just add a bit more seasoning, as these meats have a milder flavor compared to beef.
Conservation and Storage
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Refrigerate Properly for Freshness – Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If storing in the original baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
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Freeze for Long-Term Storage – To freeze, portion the casserole into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. This prevents freezer burn and allows for easy reheating. When properly stored, it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
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Best Reheating Methods – For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If using a microwave, reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth if the casserole seems dry after refrigerating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using the Wrong Type of Rice – Not all rice cooks the same way. Instant or short-grain rice may become too soft and mushy, while brown rice requires a longer cooking time and extra liquid. Stick to long-grain white rice or adjust accordingly if substituting.
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Skipping the Cheese at the End – The Swiss cheese topping adds a creamy, melty finish that balances the savory beef and rice mixture. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful and less visually appealing dish. If you don’t have Swiss, use a suitable melty cheese like Gruyère or provolone.
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Overcooking or Undercooking the Rice – If the rice isn’t fully submerged in liquid before baking, it may not cook evenly and end up crunchy. On the other hand, overcooking can make it too soft. Stir well before baking to evenly distribute the liquid and ensure a fluffy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the fridge. -
What can I use instead of canned French onion soup?
If you don’t have canned French onion soup, you can make a quick substitute by sautéing one extra onion, adding 1 cup of beef broth, and seasoning with 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for a few minutes before adding to the casserole. -
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid. To adjust, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of beef broth to ensure the rice becomes tender. -
What protein can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. If using a leaner meat like turkey, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and comforting flavors that make it a go-to meal for any night of the week. With its rich French onion taste, tender beef, and melty Swiss cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
It’s easy to prepare, great for make-ahead meals, and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal recipe for busy schedules. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite.
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, savory flavors. A blend of ground beef, tender rice, and melty Swiss cheese, all infused with the deep, caramelized taste of French onion soup—this hearty dish is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the French onion soup, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add rice: Stir in the rice until well combined, then remove from heat. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, caramelize the onions longer until golden brown.
- Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef and rice casserole, cheesy beef and rice bake