This French Onion Beef Rice Casserole is a cozy, hearty dish that combines ground beef, savory French onion flavors, and tender rice into one comforting bake. It’s the kind of easy, family-friendly meal I love to make on busy weeknights—simple ingredients, big flavor, and minimal cleanup. French Onion Beef Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole comes together so easily with pantry staples. It’s rich, meaty, and has that irresistible French onion flavor that makes everything taste like it cooked for hours—even though it didn’t. The creamy texture and melty cheese on top seal the deal. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just making a weeknight dinner, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients

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

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. If the beef is lean, I add a bit of olive oil to help it along. Then, I drain off any excess grease.

  3. I stir in the dry onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce, making sure the beef is evenly coated.

  4. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, and black pepper. Then, I fold in the seasoned beef.

  5. I pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

  6. I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it for 50 minutes.

  7. After 50 minutes, I remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, and return it to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. I let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing French Onion Beef Rice Casserole

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

  • I sometimes swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.

  • For a cheesier version, I mix some cheddar or Monterey Jack into the rice mixture.

  • I’ve added sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef while browning for extra veggies and flavor.

  • To make it spicy, I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through (usually about 20–25 minutes). If it looks a bit dry, I add a splash of beef broth before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

I check that the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If it’s still firm, I cover it again and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. I increase the baking time by 20–25 minutes and add a bit more beef broth to compensate.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble everything (except the cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready to bake, I bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

I like mozzarella for its meltiness, but Swiss, provolone, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack also work beautifully.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This French Onion Beef Rice Casserole is one of those comfort meals I keep in regular rotation. It’s easy to make, filling, and packs all the rich, savory flavors I crave in a cozy dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something to bring to a potluck, it always satisfies.

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French Onion Beef Rice Casserole

French Onion Beef Rice Casserole

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  • Author: Lidia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This French Onion Beef Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring ground beef, savory onion flavor, creamy soups, tender rice, and melty mozzarella cheese—perfect for an easy, family-friendly meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Add olive oil if using lean beef. Drain excess grease.
  3. Stir in dry onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce until beef is evenly coated.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, and black pepper.
  5. Fold in the seasoned beef mixture.
  6. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
  8. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a cheesier version.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor.
  • Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  • Can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1050mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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