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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole transforms the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup into a hearty, family-friendly meal. It combines tender ground beef, soft onions, and fluffy rice in a creamy, savory sauce, all baked under a glorious blanket of bubbly, melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the ultimate one-dish wonder for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight when you need something special without the fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
  • 1 packet (1 oz) Dry Onion Soup/Dip Mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Beef Broth (optional)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This is a simple but crucial step to prevent the delicious casserole from sticking.
  2. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and the chopped yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Season the Beef Mixture: Stir the dry onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder directly into the skillet with the beef. Mix it all together well. You'll notice the aroma getting incredibly savory at this point! Remember, the soup mix has plenty of salt, so there's no need to add any extra.
  4. Combine the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned beef, the cooked rice, the condensed French onion soup, the optional beef broth (if you like it extra moist), and the sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated into a creamy, hearty mixture.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Now for the best part: sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Be generous!
  6. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to get golden brown in spots.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness before you dive into this amazing Beef Casserole.

Notes

Use day-old rice for the best texture. For a golden-brown top, place the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two after baking, watching carefully. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For flavor variations, add sautéed mushrooms, deglaze the pan with wine, or add a crunchy topping like French's fried onions. The casserole can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated before baking.