Easy French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
This Easy French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring savory ground beef, tender rice, and rich French onion and mushroom soups. Baked to perfection with melted cheese on top and optional crispy fried onions for extra texture, this casserole combines simple ingredients for a hearty, family-friendly dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- Crispy fried onions, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Beef and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix Rice and Soups: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Beef Mixture: Add the cooked beef and onion mixture into the rice mixture and stir everything until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese on top of the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top in the last few minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set, making for cleaner slices and a creamier texture before serving.
Notes
- Use low sodium beef broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- Substitute cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soups and check the crispy onion topping for gluten content or omit it.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance flavor.
Keywords: French onion, beef casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, baked casserole, one dish meal
