Savory, creamy, cheesy casserole packed with ground beef, tender rice, and the comforting flavors of French onion and mushroom soups. A perfect easy weeknight dinner!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal
📝 Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup beef broth
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole
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In a large bowl, combine browned beef and onions, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
Step 3: Assemble
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Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Bake
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Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until rice is tender and cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or steamed veggies!
💡 Notes & Tips
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Rice tip: Don’t use instant rice—it will overcook. Stick to long-grain white rice or basmati.
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Cheese options: Swiss cheese gives it a classic French onion flavor, but mozzarella melts beautifully if preferred.
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Lean swap: Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey to lower fat and W-W points.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: browning beef → casserole mixed in baking dish → cheese sprinkled → finished baked casserole served)
Pro Tip: If the casserole looks dry before baking is finished, add a splash of broth and continue baking covered.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Ground beef: Hearty, savory protein.
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Soups & broth: Provide a creamy, flavorful base without needing many seasonings.
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Rice: Makes it a filling, family-style meal.
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Cheese: Adds richness and a gooey topping.
Substitutions:
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Use ground turkey or chicken to lighten up.
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Light or reduced-fat soups and cheese can lower W-W points significantly.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Mix in 1 cup of frozen peas or green beans for veggies.
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Add ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
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Side salad with light vinaigrette
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Roasted broccoli or asparagus
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Garlic bread (if points allow!)
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze casserole portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~390 kcal | Protein: ~22g | Carbs: ~24g | Fat: ~22g
W-W Points (per serving, based on 6 servings with 93% lean beef and mozzarella):
➡️ 9 Points
Lightened version (using 99% lean ground turkey, reduced-fat soups, and reduced-fat cheese):
➡️ 6 Points
W-W Points will vary depending on exact brands and portion sizes. For best accuracy, input your exact ingredients into the W-Wapp.
Allergens: Milk, Wheat (soups), possible soy (depending on soup brand)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra broth and bake time.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Peas, mushrooms, or green beans mix in easily.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This casserole was born from a love of French onion soup and the need for a no-fuss, filling dinner. It’s a weeknight staple that combines cozy flavors with easy prep—and with just a few tweaks, it’s W-W-friendly too!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you try this casserole? What tweaks or veggies did you add? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see how you made it your own!