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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Hearty casserole with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, French onion soup, caramelized onions, and melted cheese topped with crispy fried onions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Calories: 465
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion sliced or diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
  • 2 cups beef broth low sodium
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese Swiss, Gruyère, or Mozzarella
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions for topping
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet with lid
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and starting to turn golden. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and French onion soup to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the rice is mostly cooked but still has a slight bite.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese until well combined and creamy.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the onions are golden.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes covered with foil. Freezes for up to 2 months without final cheese and onion topping. Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken for leaner option. Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein. Brown rice works but needs 25-30 minutes stovetop cooking. Use extra beef broth plus Worcestershire sauce if no French onion soup available. Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms with onions. Stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers. Use Gruyère for authentic French onion flavor. Pro Tip: Caramelize onions for 15-20 minutes for deeper flavor. Par-cooking rice on stovetop ensures perfect texture.