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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Melena
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — warm, cheesy, and packed with rich caramelized onion flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients like ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, it’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that brings everyone to the table. Perfect for cozy weeknights or family dinners, this casserole delivers all the hearty flavors you crave in one comforting bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef lean or extra lean
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice or brown rice, adjust cooking time
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix
  • 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or cheddar/mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  • Caramelize Onions: In the same pan, heat olive oil and slowly cook onions for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Stir occasionally.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, onions, rice, soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
  • Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, use Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture.
  • Substitute brown rice for white rice — increase liquid and cook time slightly.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
  • Freeze before baking for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before cooking.