Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Hey y'all! If you're craving a hearty, comforting dish that's both easy to make and big on flavor, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to. Packed with savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, fragrant herbs, gooey cheese, and fluffy rice, this weeknight wonder hits all the right notes – whether it's a family dinner or a potluck favorite. Ready to cozy up to a dish everyone will ask for seconds of? Let's get cooking!

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

Super simple prep—most ingredients are pantry staples!
Perfect for making ahead and feeding a hungry crowd.
Combines the classic flavors of French onion soup in a filling, family-friendly meal.
Cheesy, hearty, and ultra satisfying for weeknight dinners.
Easy to adapt with your favorite proteins or veggies.

Ingredients for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (200g) uncooked long grain white rice (not instant)
2 cups (480ml) beef broth, low sodium
1 (10.5 oz/298g) can condensed French onion soup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ cups (180g) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
½ cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep & Caramelize the Onions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with onions. Brown until fully cooked, breaking up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Combine & Layer

Transfer the beef-onion mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add uncooked rice, beef broth, French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Sprinkle 1 cup of Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese and all the mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 4: Bake Your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover, stir gently, and check that the rice is close to tender. (If still a bit firm, add a splash of broth and bake for another 10 minutes covered.)
Remove foil, top with remaining Gruyère cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy!

Notes for Best French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

For best flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions—low and slow is key! See this guide to caramelizing onions.
If using brown rice, increase liquid to 2.5 cups and bake an extra 20 minutes, checking for doneness.
Low-sodium broth and soup help you control the final saltiness.