Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Beef Casserole is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings together the savory goodness of beef, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the heartiness of cheese, all baked together in a delicious casserole. With the aromatic flavors of French onion soup combined with tender beef and layers of cheese, this casserole is a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying!

French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cooked white rice (or 1 1/2 cups if you prefer more rice)
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Remove the onions and garlic from the skillet and set them aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Add Soup and Broth: To the browned beef, stir in the French onion soup, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine the Casserole: Add the cooked rice and the caramelized onions to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the beef and rice mixture. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the savory layers of beef, caramelized onions, rice, and melted cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra vegetables in the casserole.
Cheese Variations: Swap the Swiss cheese for Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Add Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy top, add more panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover French Onion Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat individual servings, microwave them for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice or even wild rice instead of white rice for a different flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen caramelized onions, but fresh onions will give the casserole a more vibrant flavor.

4. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, you can add more Swiss cheese or sprinkle a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for an extra cheesy topping.

5. Can I make this casserole without rice?

Yes, you can omit the rice and replace it with another starch, such as mashed potatoes, or simply make it a meat and onion-focused casserole.

6. Can I use a different soup than French onion soup?

For a different flavor, you can substitute the French onion soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of onion soup.

7. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Brown the beef and onions in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours, adding the cheese and breadcrumbs near the end.

8. How do I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce for some extra heat.

9. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that your soup and broth are also gluten-free to make this casserole gluten-free.

10. Can I use fresh onions instead of caramelized?

For a deeper flavor, caramelizing the onions is highly recommended, but you can skip the caramelization if you’re short on time, though it will lack some of the sweetness and richness.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Casserole is a deliciously comforting meal that combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with tender beef, rice, and melted cheese. It’s a perfect one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and full of savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a crowd, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Serve it for dinner and enjoy the delightful combination of beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese!