This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and diced tomatoes. With minimal prep and a deliciously cheesy topping, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty – This casserole is packed with ground beef, rice, and a flavorful onion soup sauce, making it filling and satisfying.
- Quick and easy – Just 30 minutes in the oven after a short prep time, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful – The combination of French onion soup, garlic powder, and diced tomatoes creates a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with the beef and rice.
- Cheesy optional topping – Melted cheese on top adds an irresistible layer of gooey goodness.
- Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef – The hearty base of this casserole.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – For the fluffy, filling component.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup – Adds deep, savory flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – For acidity and extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the beef.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional) – Adds a subtle herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning.
Optional Topping:
- Shredded cheese – Such as cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, for about 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat, then stir in garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set the beef mixture aside.
3. Cook the Rice:
- In a separate pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions (typically with 2 cups of water).
- Once cooked, set the rice aside.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, French onion soup, and undrained diced tomatoes.
- Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Add the Cheese (Optional):
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: (Calories per serving can be calculated based on the ingredients used.)
Variations
- Vegetables – Add frozen peas, corn, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese options – Try cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for different cheesy textures.
- Ground turkey or chicken – Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Herb variations – Use fresh thyme or oregano instead of dried thyme for a fresher flavor.
- Add heat – Mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a bit of spice.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time, so you may need to pre-cook it before adding it to the casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time by assembling the casserole, covering it, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the ground beef and use plant-based meat or lentils as a replacement. Add extra veggies for a more hearty casserole.
How can I make the casserole more creamy?
Add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture for a creamier texture.
Can I use a different type of soup?
While French onion soup gives it a rich, savory flavor, you can experiment with other canned soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, for different flavors.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a combination of tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a savory French onion soup base, this dish is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, with an optional cheese topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich French onion soup base. Topped with a gooey, melted cheese finish, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese to make it your own!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions and set it aside.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, French onion soup, and undrained diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add the Cheese (Optional): In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Vegetables: Add frozen peas, corn, or carrots for extra flavor.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan are great choices for the topping.
- Substitute Meat: Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Herb Variations: Use fresh thyme or oregano for a fresher flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
