Cozy, cheesy comfort classic.
This single-serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect solution when you want comfort food without leftovers. It delivers all the rich, savory French onion flavor you love—tender beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese—in a perfectly portioned dish made just for one. It’s ideal for weeknights, small households, or anyone craving a warm, homemade meal without the hassle. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and one small baking dish make this recipe both satisfying and stress-free.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 1
📝 Ingredients List
- ¼ lb ground beef
- ¼ cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- ⅓ cup French onion soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp shredded Gruyère or provolone cheese
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional topping: crispy fried onions
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Small skillet
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Small oven-safe baking dish or ramekin
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Brown the beef
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease. - Season it up
Stir in garlic powder and thyme. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat. - Mix everything together
In a bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and seasoned beef. Stir well. - Bake covered
Transfer mixture to a greased small baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until rice is tender. - Add cheese & finish
Remove foil, sprinkle cheeses and optional crispy onions on top. Bake uncovered for 8–10 minutes until melted and bubbly 🧀✨ - Rest & enjoy
Let sit for 3–5 minutes, then dig in warm and cozy 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Microwave option: After browning beef, microwave covered for ~12–15 minutes, stirring once.
- Extra creamy: Stir in 1 tablespoon sour cream before adding cheese.
- No waste: This recipe is perfect for using small leftovers of cheese or broth.