Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter); 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Gruyère for a French onion twist); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

A hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with a satisfying ground beef and rice casserole. This one-pan meal features sweet caramelized onions, savory beef, and tender rice all topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. It brings together familiar ingredients in a creative way, offering deep flavor with minimal effort. The caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory beef, while the melty cheese topping creates that irresistible pull when serving. It’s economical, feeds a crowd, and even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting, all-in-one meal. Best of all, it can be prepared in advance and requires just one skillet, meaning less cleanup afterward!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil creates the foundation for developing flavor in this dish, helping to caramelize the onions to sweet perfection. You can substitute butter for a richer flavor profile if desired.
Onions are the star of this casserole, transforming through slow cooking into sweet, caramelized goodness that gives this dish its distinctive French onion flavor. Take your time with this step—properly caramelized onions make all the difference.
Ground beef provides hearty protein and savory depth to the casserole. Choose a lean-to-medium fat content (85-90% lean) for the best flavor without excessive grease.
Garlic adds aromatic depth that complements both the beef and onions. Fresh is best, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
Long-grain white rice forms the filling base of this casserole, absorbing the flavors of the beef broth and seasonings. It cooks directly in the skillet, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Beef broth infuses the rice with savory flavor as it cooks. Use low-sodium varieties if you prefer to control the salt level yourself.
Worcestershire sauce contributes a complex umami flavor that enhances the beef and ties all the ingredients together. This fermented sauce adds depth that’s difficult to replicate with other ingredients.
Dried thyme provides an earthy, slightly floral note that’s classic in French onion dishes. It complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese creates that stretchy, melty topping that makes casseroles so satisfying. The Gruyère alternative offers a more authentic French onion soup flavor with its nutty characteristics.
Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty component to the topping that browns beautifully in the oven, creating a delicious crust.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat and stir in minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the caramelized onions, uncooked rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the casserole.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners with potential leftovers. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with cooking time around 40 minutes, bringing the total time to 55 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 490 calories, providing a satisfying and complete meal.

Variations

Mushroom Addition: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthier flavor profile.
Italian-Style: Substitute Italian seasoning for thyme and use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a Mediterranean twist.
Mexican-Inspired: Replace the thyme with taco seasoning, add a can of drained black beans, and top with Mexican cheese blend for a south-of-the-border variation.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked lentils or 16 ounces of plant-based ground meat alternative.
Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of Swiss cheese beneath the mozzarella and Parmesan for even more cheesy goodness.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the ground beef for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Meal Prep: You can prepare this casserole up to the point of baking, refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake when ready to serve. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If using brown rice, increase the beef broth to 2 3/4 cups and extend the simmering time to 35-40 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid.

How do I know when my onions are properly caramelized?

Properly caramelized onions will be significantly reduced in volume, soft, and a deep golden-brown color with a sweet aroma. This process takes patience—rushing it will result in sautéed, not caramelized onions.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature, add cheese, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.

Is there a way to reduce the calories in this dish?

Use lean ground beef (93% lean), reduce the cheese by half, and serve with a large side salad to create a more calorie-conscious meal while maintaining flavor.

Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking method. If using instant rice, reduce the beef broth to 1 1/4 cups and simmer for only 5 minutes before adding the cheese and baking.

My rice didn’t cook completely. What went wrong?

Undercooked rice usually means either not enough liquid or insufficient cooking time. Make sure you’re using the right rice-to-liquid ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups broth) and that your heat is low enough to simmer, not boil away the liquid too quickly.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative. Since it has less fat and flavor than beef, consider adding an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and a tablespoon of olive oil for richness.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

This casserole works beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a light soup like tomato bisque for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole represents comfort food at its finest—familiar ingredients transformed into something special through simple cooking techniques. The caramelized onions bring a depth of flavor that elevates this from an ordinary casserole to a memorable meal. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company, this versatile dish strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it with one of the variations, you’ll find yourself returning to this reliable, satisfying meal again and again. It’s proof that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just a little time and love in the kitchen.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole