Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese; 1 small onion, chopped (optional); 1 tablespoon butter or oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)

I’ve made a lot of casseroles over the years, but this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one I always come back to. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor—pure comfort food magic in every bite. I discovered this dish when trying to use up pantry staples, and it’s now a permanent part of my weeknight dinner rotation.

It’s that kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with the rich aroma of caramelized onions and bubbling cheese, and you know from the smell alone that everyone’s going to clean their plates. If you love the classic taste of French onion soup and crave something satisfying and easy, this casserole is calling your name.

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

This dish checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a cozy flavor that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The ground beef adds a rich savory base, the rice keeps it filling, and the creamy onion sauce ties everything together in the most delicious way.

Plus, it’s a hit with picky eaters, freezer-friendly, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole will save your dinner time and time again.

What Kind of Rice Works Best for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

I recommend using long grain white rice because it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t clump, making it ideal for absorbing the creamy French onion flavor. You can use pre-cooked rice if you’re short on time, or cook it fresh right before assembling the casserole. Just avoid instant rice—it tends to break down too much and can turn the casserole mushy. If you’re feeling adventurous, wild rice or brown rice can work too, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times and add more liquid.

Options for Substitutions

What I love about this casserole is how flexible it is. You can tailor it to what you have on hand or fit different dietary needs:

Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian spin.
Rice: Brown rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives if you’re going for whole grains or low-carb.
French Onion Soup: If you don’t have canned soup, a homemade version using caramelized onions and beef broth works beautifully.
Cheese: Gruyère or Swiss cheese adds a classic French onion soup touch, but shredded mozzarella or cheddar melts wonderfully too.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you want extra creaminess, you can replace some of the French onion soup with cream of mushroom or even cream of celery.

These swaps make it easy to customize the dish without losing the essence of what makes this casserole so comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients for This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground Beef
This is the base of the casserole—savory, filling, and rich in flavor. Browning the beef first helps develop that deep, satisfying taste.
Cooked White Rice
The rice absorbs the creamy sauce and binds everything together, giving the casserole its classic hearty texture.
French Onion Soup (Canned or Homemade)
This brings the signature sweet and savory onion flavor. It’s the soul of the dish and pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Adds body and creaminess to the casserole, balancing the flavors and making each bite silky and indulgent.
Shredded Cheese (Mozzarella, Cheddar, or Gruyère)
Melts into a gooey, golden top layer and also adds creaminess throughout the dish. Gruyère gives it that French onion soup authenticity.
Chopped Onions (Optional but Recommended)
Enhances the onion flavor and adds a bit of bite for those who love a deeper onion profile.
Butter or Oil
Used for sautéing the onions and browning the beef—brings out more depth in flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning everything from the meat to the rice, making the entire dish taste balanced and delicious.
Fresh Parsley or Chives (for garnish)
A sprinkle of green at the end brightens the richness and makes the casserole more inviting.

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper. If using onions, sauté them with the beef until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the cooked white rice, French onion soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly coated.

Step 4

Fold in about 1 cup of shredded cheese into the mixture, then transfer everything into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 5

Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese, covering the surface generously.

Step 6

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

How Long to Cook the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole takes about 35 to 40 minutes in the oven at 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to bake it covered for the first 25 minutes so everything heats through evenly and the flavors meld together. Then, uncover it for the last 10–15 minutes to let the cheese on top brown and bubble beautifully.

If your rice is freshly cooked and still warm, you might shave a few minutes off. On the flip side, if you’re working with cold rice or prepped ingredients straight from the fridge, it may need a little extra time.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Use fully cooked rice to ensure your casserole bakes evenly without being soggy or underdone.
Brown your beef well. Letting it caramelize slightly in the pan adds loads of flavor to the finished dish.
Don’t skimp on the cheese. A generous topping gives you that satisfying crust and gooey melt inside.
Use quality soup. Whether canned or homemade, the flavor of the French onion soup makes a huge difference—look for a rich, concentrated one.
Let it rest before serving. This gives the casserole time to set and makes serving much easier (and cleaner).
Customize the seasoning. Taste the filling before baking—sometimes a dash of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder can boost flavor even more.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Uncooked Rice: This casserole isn’t the place for raw rice—it won’t have enough liquid to cook properly and will stay crunchy.
Skipping the Drain on the Beef: Leaving excess grease can make your casserole greasy and heavy. Always drain after browning.
Overbaking: Baking too long can dry it out. Stick to the suggested time and check around the 35-minute mark.
Not Seasoning the Beef: A little salt and pepper while cooking the meat goes a long way in layering the flavor.
Forgetting to Cover While Baking: If you skip the foil cover, the casserole might brown too early and dry out before everything is heated through.
Using Too Much Cheese Inside: While tempting, too much cheese inside can make the casserole overly dense and greasy. Balance is key.

What to Serve With French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette adds a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.

Steamed Broccoli

Lightly steamed or roasted broccoli gives a nice crunch and keeps things balanced on the plate.

Garlic Bread or Baguette

Warm, buttery bread is perfect for scooping up every last bite of casserole goodness.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

These add a juicy pop of brightness and a bit of tang that complements the savory casserole beautifully.

Glazed Carrots

Slightly sweet and buttery, they pair well with the deeper flavors of the beef and onion.

A Glass of Red Wine

If you’re looking to elevate dinner a bit, a smooth Merlot or Cabernet rounds out the flavors nicely.

Iced Tea or Lemon Water

For a simple, refreshing drink pairing that helps cut through the richness of the dish.

Pickled Veggies

Their acidity helps cleanse the palate and brings a tangy twist alongside the creamy casserole.

Storage Instructions

This casserole stores like a dream, which makes it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 950mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the brands and types of ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ground beef is best for this casserole?

I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to drain off the excess fat after browning.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and pop it in the oven.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free canned soups or make your own French onion and cream of mushroom soups without flour or thickeners containing gluten. Also, double-check any seasoning packets or cheese labels.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container or wrap portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from thawed for best texture.

What cheese melts best for the topping?

Mozzarella is a classic for its melt, but Gruyère gives a more French onion soup vibe. Cheddar is great if you want a bit more tang.

Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?

Yes, use fully cooked rice. This recipe does not include enough liquid to cook raw rice in the oven.

Can I use a slow cooker instead?

You can, but the texture will be a bit softer and more stew-like. Cook the beef beforehand, mix all ingredients, and cook on low for 3–4 hours.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a quick homemade roux-based white sauce.

Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a weeknight hero—cozy, filling, and endlessly adaptable. It captures all the rich, savory notes of French onion soup and wraps them in a creamy, cheesy bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Whether you’re using pantry staples or customizing with gourmet touches, this casserole is the kind of satisfying comfort food you’ll make again and again.