Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488780H12M53S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this casserole is—just brown the beef, mix everything together, and bake. It’s the kind of dish I rely on when I want comfort food without a lot of work. The creamy rice, cheesy top, and savory flavor make it feel like something special, even though it’s incredibly easy to make. Plus, it feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven:
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready while I prepare the rest of the casserole.
Cook the beef and onion:
In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. I drain any extra grease before moving on.
Mix the ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked beef and onion with the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Assemble the casserole:
I pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake covered:
I cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 45–50 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add cheese and finish baking:
I remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and serve:
I let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to let it set up. Then I dig in and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and comes together in about 1 hour total—10 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of bake time. It’s great for feeding a hungry family or making enough for leftovers the next day.

Variations

I sometimes mix in green beans or mushrooms for extra veggies.
A combination of Swiss and mozzarella gives it both flavor and meltiness.
For more depth, I sauté a little minced garlic with the onion.
A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds extra umami to the beef.
I’ve made this with ground turkey or ground chicken, and it still tastes great.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil. It also freezes well—just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice?

I don’t recommend it for this recipe—instant rice cooks too fast and can get mushy. I always use long-grain white rice for the best texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, I just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

What cheese works best?

I like the melty texture of mozzarella, but Swiss gives it that classic French onion flavor. Sometimes I mix both for the best of both worlds.

How do I keep the rice from turning out undercooked?

I make sure the casserole is tightly covered while baking so the rice cooks in the steam. Also, using regular long-grain white rice—not brown or instant—is important for the timing to work out.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double everything and use two baking dishes or one extra-large pan. It’s great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is exactly the kind of meal I turn to when I want something comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. With layers of savory beef, creamy rice, and bubbly cheese on top, it’s a dinner that brings everyone to the table. Whether I make it on a busy weeknight or prep it ahead for a lazy weekend meal, it’s always a favorite.