Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers all the classic comfort of a casserole while infusing the deep, caramelized flavor of French onion soup. It’s rich but not heavy, simple yet packed with layers of taste. You can make it ahead, freeze it, or serve it right out of the oven for a family feast.
French Onion Beef Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting, savory French Onion Beef Rice Casserole made with ground beef, caramelized onions, rice, and creamy soup, baked to golden perfection for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden and soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, French onion soup, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Add the cooked beef and onions to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Dot the top with butter and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or green beans for extra vegetables.
- For a richer flavor, use caramelized onions instead of regular sautéed onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
The beauty of this French Onion Beef Rice Casserole lies in its simplicity—each ingredient works together to create a dish that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying.
Ground Beef – The foundation of the dish, providing hearty protein and a savory base. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Long-Grain Rice – Acts as the perfect carrier for all the rich flavors, soaking up the broth and creating a tender, fluffy texture.
French Onion Soup Mix – The key to capturing that signature French onion flavor without hours of caramelizing onions. It infuses the dish with umami and a touch of sweetness.
Beef Broth – Deepens the savory flavor and ensures the rice cooks perfectly while staying moist. Choose a low-sodium version if you prefer to control the salt.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds a creamy texture and complements the onion and beef beautifully. You can substitute with cream of chicken soup if needed.
Onions – Sautéed to golden perfection, they bring depth and natural sweetness to the dish.
Butter – Used to sauté the onions, giving them a rich, silky flavor.
Cheddar Cheese – Melted on top for that golden, bubbling finish that ties everything together. You can also use Swiss or Gruyère for a more authentic French onion twist.
Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory notes and complements the beef and onion.
Black Pepper & Thyme – A touch of seasoning to balance the richness and add subtle herbal notes.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onions until they turn golden and fragrant—this step adds incredible depth to your casserole.
Next, stir in the French onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and rice. Mix everything until well combined. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to evenly coat the mixture with the savory sauce. Transfer the contents to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving—it allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people generously.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place portions in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Lover’s Delight – Add sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for extra umami flavor.
Cheese Swap – Try Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a more classic French onion touch.
Healthy Twist – Substitute ground turkey and brown rice for a lighter, protein-rich version.
Vegetarian Option – Replace the beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños for a subtle heat.
Creamy Upgrade – Stir in a bit of sour cream or heavy cream before baking for a richer texture.
Herb Boost – Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma.
Caramelized Onion Version – Take extra time to caramelize onions slowly for a deeper, sweeter taste.
One-Pot Shortcut – Make it all in an oven-safe skillet to save on dishes.
Cheesy Crust Topping – Add breadcrumbs mixed with cheese for a golden, crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes, but reduce the baking time by about 20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works as a substitute.
Can I freeze the casserole after baking?
Yes, just cool it completely before freezing. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soup mix and broth; the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is it okay to use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes and add a bit more broth.
What cheese melts best for this casserole?
Cheddar is classic, but Gruyère offers a gourmet flavor with perfect meltability.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Peas, bell peppers, or carrots make great additions.
Why is my rice still hard after baking?
It may need more broth or baking time; cover tightly with foil to retain steam.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Keep it covered while baking and avoid overbaking after adding cheese.
Conclusion
This French Onion Beef Rice Casserole is everything comfort food should be—savory, creamy, and satisfyingly hearty. It combines classic flavors in an easy, no-fuss recipe perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving something warm and filling, this casserole delivers every time. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
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