French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining savory ground beef, flavorful French onion soup, and tender rice, it bakes into a rich and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (lean)
• ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consommé
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans French onion soup
• ¾ cup water
• 2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked, not minute rice)
• ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks, cut into slices)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and garlic salt. Cook over medium heat, breaking the beef up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef. Pour in the French onion soup, beef consommé, and water. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Arrange the slices of butter evenly over the top of the mixture.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. For a cheesy and crispy topping, see the tips below.
7. Step 7: When baking is complete, fluff the casserole gently with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle 1 to 1½ cups shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese over the casserole after removing the foil and bake uncovered to melt and brown the cheese.
• Use low-sodium soup and consommé to control the saltiness if preferred.
• To add extra veggies, stir in chopped mushrooms or green beans with the rice and beef before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the rice from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not recommended to substitute it directly in this recipe without adjusting the bake time and liquid amounts.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

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Description

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining savory ground beef, aromatic garlic seasoning, tender long grain rice, and rich French onion soup. Baked to perfection with a buttery topping, it delivers a flavorful one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic salt (adjust to taste)

Liquids and Broth

• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consomme
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans French onion soup
• ¾ cup water

Grains and Butter

• 2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked, not instant/minute rice)
• ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks), cut into slices

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and season it with garlic salt according to your taste preference. Cook, stirring and crumbling the beef, until it is completely browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: Transfer the cooked ground beef to the prepared baking dish. Add the uncooked rice on top. Pour in the French onion soup, beef consomme, and water. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly without displacing the rice.
4. Add Butter Slices: Cut the butter into slices and evenly arrange them over the top of the mixture. This will help create a rich, buttery topping during baking.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquids and start cooking through.
6. Remove Foil and Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to finish cooking the rice and develop a slight crust on top. (For a cheesy and crispy topping version, you can sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole after removing the foil before continuing baking.)
7. Fluff and Serve: Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven. Use a fork to fluff the rice and mix everything gently. Serve warm and enjoy your satisfying casserole.

Notes

• For a cheesy and crispy topping, sprinkle shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese over the casserole after removing the foil, then bake uncovered for the final 30 minutes.
• You can swap the beef consomme for beef broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
• To make this dish quicker, you could use pre-cooked rice, but adjust the liquid amounts accordingly and reduce baking time to prevent overcooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, baked rice dish, comfort food, easy casserole