Savory, Cheesy & Comforting — A One-Dish Family Favorite!
This rich and hearty casserole combines the cozy flavors of French onion soup, ground beef, and creamy rice — all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something warm, filling, and effortlessly delicious.
🍽 Recipe Card
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Dietary Tags: Comfort Food | One-Pan Meal | Family Dinner
✅ 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 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
🔢 Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. -
Brown the Beef & Onion:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned and fragrant. Drain excess grease. -
Mix the Casserole Base:
In a large bowl, combine French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked beef mixture. -
Assemble:
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil to trap moisture. -
Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. -
Add Cheese & Finish:
Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Return to oven for 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, savory casserole warm!
💡 Quick Tips
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Use lean ground beef (90/10) for less grease and cleaner flavor.
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For extra depth, caramelize the onions before adding to the casserole.
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Substitute Swiss for a richer, tangier topping — it pairs beautifully with the French onion soup flavor.
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Add a few crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch!
🍲 Introduction
If cozy dinners had a scent, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole would be it. The savory blend of French onion soup, creamy mushroom base, and tender beef turns simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful family meal.
It’s the perfect “throw-together” dish that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen — but really didn’t. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want to bring back the nostalgia of hearty, oven-baked comfort food.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Onions
Start by browning your ground beef and onions together until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent. This builds the first layer of flavor — classic and savory.
Tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth for added richness.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base
Mix your soups, beef broth, and seasonings with uncooked rice. This step saves time and creates that signature creamy texture as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake Until Tender
Bake the casserole covered so the rice absorbs all that flavor. Once tender, remove the foil and top with cheese.
Step 4: Melt & Serve
Melt the cheese until bubbly and golden. Let the dish sit briefly — this helps it set for cleaner slices.
🧅 Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
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Ground Beef: Choose 85–90% lean. For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken.
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Onion: Yellow onions add natural sweetness that complements the French onion soup.
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French Onion Soup: The key to that signature savory flavor — canned or homemade works.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess; substitute with cream of chicken or celery if preferred.
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Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
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Rice: Use uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant).
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Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but Swiss or Gruyère gives a classic French onion twist.
🧀 Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations:
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Add sautéed mushrooms or green beans for texture.
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Stir in ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine for umami depth.
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Top with fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs before baking for crunch.
Serving Ideas:
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Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
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Serve with buttery garlic bread for ultimate comfort.
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For leftovers, wrap in tortillas for a hearty burrito-style lunch.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
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Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
🧮 Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 415 kcal | Carbs: 28g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 720mg
Dietary Highlights: Family Comfort | One-Dish Meal | Protein-Rich
Allergens: Contains dairy and gluten (soups).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes, but it will need longer cooking time (about 60–65 minutes). Add an extra ½ cup broth if you do.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Definitely — assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
Q: My rice turned out crunchy — what happened?
A: Make sure it’s tightly covered while baking and use long-grain rice, not instant or parboiled types.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Combine all ingredients (except cheese), cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, then top with cheese before serving.
❤️ Story Behind the Recipe
This casserole is one of those “old-school meets modern convenience” dishes. I first made it on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but had only pantry staples — soups, rice, and ground beef.
The result? A creamy, cheesy, caramelized onion-inspired casserole that instantly became a family favorite. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and hits every comfort note — like a warm hug in a dish.
💬 Reader Interaction
Have you tried this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole yet?
Tag your cozy dinner creations with #HomeStyleKitchen or share your twist below — do you go for Swiss or Mozzarella on top? 🧅💛