Name: French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms; 1 (14.5 ounce) can low sodium beef broth; 1 (10-ounce) can condensed French onion soup; 1 cup dry long grain white rice; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 1/4 cup butter, thinly sliced into 6 pats; 24 frozen Italian beef meatballs; 4 ounces shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese; Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 29 reviews

If you adore the rich flavors of French onion soup but are looking to shake things up for dinner, this French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a one-pan wonder combining tender Italian beef meatballs, earthy mushrooms, fluffy long grain rice, and the undeniable comfort of condensed French onion soup all baked to golden perfection. This dish is not just flavorful but effortlessly satisfying, making it a perfect solution for quick weeknight meals when you want something hearty without all the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish holds several uncooked ingredients arranged in layers. On the top left is a thick layer of brown and white sliced mushrooms, with visible soft textures. To the right is a spread of uncooked white rice grains with a small pile of green dried herbs on top. Below the rice is a dark brown sauce mixed with onions, creating a glossy and rich texture. A woman's hand pours a light amber broth from a clear glass measuring cup into the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of the French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding depth, texture, or that irresistible melting cheese topping.

Sliced fresh mushrooms (8 ounces): Bring an earthy, meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
Low sodium beef broth (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Adds savory depth without overpowering, balancing the richness.
Condensed French onion soup (1 can, 10 ounces): The star ingredient that infuses the entire casserole with comforting sweet onion flavor.
Dry long grain white rice (1 cup): Provides a fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the flavorful juices.
Chopped fresh thyme (2 teaspoons): Offers a subtle herbal lift that brightens the dish.
Butter (1/4 cup, sliced into pats): Adds luscious richness and helps the rice cook to perfection.
Frozen Italian beef meatballs (24 pieces): Convenient, hearty protein that cooks right in the casserole.
Shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese (4 ounces): Melts beautifully over the meatballs, adding nutty creaminess.
Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh flavor to brighten the finished dish.

How to Make French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup. Next, add your sliced mushrooms, beef broth, French onion soup, dry rice, and fresh thyme right into the dish. Stir these ingredients well to combine the flavors and help the rice absorb the savory broth evenly throughout baking.

Step 2: Add the Butter and Cover

Top the mixture with six thin pats of butter arranged in two rows of three. This butter melts slowly during cooking, enriching the rice and adding creaminess. Cover the entire casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam inside, allowing the rice to cook gently and fully absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Initial Bake

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This phase softens the rice and mushrooms while marrying the broth and French onion soup flavors, forming an irresistible base for the meatballs.

Step 4: Add the Meatballs and Bake Again

Carefully remove the foil and evenly distribute the frozen Italian beef meatballs across the top of the rice mixture. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the meatballs will cook through and develop a beautiful golden crust while the rice finishes softening.

Step 5: Cheese and Final Touches

Once the meatballs and rice are perfectly cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese over the top. Loosely tent the dish with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a luscious blanket. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

How to Serve French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a white pan with a wooden spoon. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is soft cooked rice mixed with a light brown sauce, the middle layer contains browned meatballs and sliced mushrooms which are dark brown with a shiny texture, and the top layer is sprinkled with melted shredded cheese that is pale yellow and slightly stringy, along with small green herb pieces scattered on top. The wooden spoon is scooping a mix of rice, meatballs, mushrooms, and cheese, showing a rich, hearty texture. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a burst of green color but also a bright, slightly peppery contrast that elevates the savory richness of the dish. For an extra indulgent touch, a few crispy fried onions on top can recreate that classic French onion soup crunch and make every bite memorable.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also add texture and freshness, turning your meal into a well-rounded feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve spoonfuls of the French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe in shallow individual gratin dishes and broil briefly to give the cheese an extra golden crust. Alternatively, plate it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the deep flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Meatballs and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further, making it a perfect ready-to-eat meal for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth before reheating can revive the moisture and keep the rice tender and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work just as well; simply add them at the same step and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Is there a substitute for Gruyere cheese?

Swiss cheese or mozzarella can be used if Gruyere is unavailable. They melt nicely and provide a similar creamy texture, though Gruyere offers a distinct nuttiness that’s hard to beat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free French onion soup and gluten-free beef broth, this recipe can easily be adapted. Be sure to check all canned ingredients for gluten content to keep it safe.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Sneak in diced carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition. Add sturdy veggies like carrots at the start with the mushrooms and add delicate greens like spinach in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Is long grain white rice the best choice?

Long grain white rice works best here for its fluffy texture and absorbency, but you could experiment with brown rice if you adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves a comforting, easy-to-make meal packed full of flavors that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Give this recipe a try on your next busy night and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite. It’s the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and wholesome, making dinner as simple as it is satisfying.

French Onion Meatballs and Rice Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need