Hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Get ready for a truly comforting dish that brings together classic flavors in an easy-to-make package. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and the rich, sweet notes of French onion soup. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this simple yet delicious casserole that tastes like a warm hug!

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This delightful French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole offers so much to love for home cooks and families alike. It truly simplifies dinner time!

• Classic Comfort Food Appeal: It delivers deep, savory flavors reminiscent of beloved French onion soup in a hearty casserole form.
• Simple, Straightforward Preparation: With minimal steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: You can assemble this delicious French onion beef bake quickly, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner after a long day.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This recipe relies on staple pantry items and economical ground beef, helping you create a flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: The mild, savory profile appeals to a wide range of tastes, making this a dinner winner for everyone at your table.
• Easy to Scale for Gatherings: You can effortlessly double this recipe to feed a larger crowd, making it great for potlucks or family dinners.
• Great for Make-Ahead Meals: Prepare it in advance, and then simply bake when you are ready to enjoy a stress-free meal.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this easy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is simple. You’ll need lean ground beef, garlic salt for seasoning, canned beef consommé, canned French onion soup, water, uncooked long grain white rice, and butter slices. These components come together to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying ground beef and rice bake.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 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 instant rice)
• ¾ cup butter, 1 ½ stick, cut into slices

Notes & Substitutions

• Ground beef: Feel free to use 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
• Garlic salt: You can substitute with onion powder, regular salt, or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
• Beef consommé: If unavailable, use an equal amount of beef broth or beef stock for a similar rich flavor. For those curious about the nuances of this ingredient, a rich, clear, and flavorful clarified broth is known as beef consommé.
• French onion soup: Always check the label if you require a gluten-free option, as ingredients can vary by brand.
• Rice: Brown rice works well in this casserole, but remember to adjust the cooking time and potentially add more liquid as needed.
• Butter: Adjust the quantity of butter to your preference; it adds richness and helps the rice cook beautifully.

Equipment

You don’t need many special tools to create this delicious French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. These basic kitchen items will help you prepare your meal with ease.

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

Creating this comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Brown Beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet. Season it with garlic salt to your liking. Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned and cooked through. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked ground beef into the prepared baking dish. Add the uncooked long grain white rice directly to the dish. Pour in both cans of beef consommé, both cans of French onion soup, and ¾ cup of water. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the rice is evenly distributed.
4. Add Butter: Cut the ¾ cup of butter into thin slices. Arrange these butter slices evenly over the entire surface of the rice and beef mixture in the baking dish. This helps with flavor and moisture.
5. Initial Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Covering the dish allows the rice to steam and cook properly.
6. Uncover & Finish: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This second baking phase helps develop a lightly golden top.
7. Fluff & Serve: Once baked, remove the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. Then, gently fluff the casserole with a fork to separate the rice. Serve this hearty meal hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Make your ground beef and rice casserole even better with these expert tips, and learn how to fix common issues.

• One-Pot Option: Brown your ground beef directly in a large Dutch oven. Then add the remaining ingredients and bake it right in the same pot for less cleanup.
• Cheesy Topping: For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or provolone cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Crispy Topping: Add a delicious crunch by scattering crispy fried onions over the top during the final 10 minutes, or even some crushed potato chips.
• Undercooked Rice: If your rice still seems a bit firm, check the liquid level. Add a splash more water or broth, cover the dish, and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
• Dry Casserole: Ensure your baking dish is covered very tightly with foil during the initial baking phase to trap steam and keep the casserole moist.
• Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to add extra seasonings to the ground beef mixture, such as a pinch of black pepper, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a bay leaf for deeper flavor.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole shines in many ways beyond the initial serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this hearty casserole with fresh, crisp steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
• Serve it alongside sweet corn on the cob, a classic and delicious vegetable accompaniment.
• Offer a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to add a refreshing contrast.
• Complement the rich flavors with warm dinner rolls or slices of cornbread for dipping.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover portions of the ground beef and rice casserole in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Unbaked/Partially Baked: Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed. Alternatively, you can bake for 30 minutes, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake the remaining time.
• Fully Baked: Allow the entire casserole to cool completely after baking. Portion into individual servings or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. Start with 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Oven: To reheat a larger portion or the entire casserole, place it covered in a 350°F oven. Bake until it is heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Variations

• Lower Carb: Replace half or all of the white rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb version. You will need to significantly reduce the added water.
• Different Proteins: Experiment with ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter alternative.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or canned corn along with the other ingredients for added nutrients and texture.
• Cheesy Options: Beyond Gruyère, try mozzarella, provolone, or even sharp cheddar cheese for a different cheesy twist on this savory French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Nutrition

Enjoying a serving of this fulfilling French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole offers a balanced nutritional profile. It provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal.

FAQ

Got questions about making this comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole? Here are some quick answers to common queries.

• What does it mean to brown meat? It means to cook the ground meat in a skillet until no pink remains and some edges develop a slightly crispy, browned texture. The culinary process of browning meat, often referred to as the Maillard reaction, creates rich flavors and aromas. This step adds rich flavor.
• Can I use brown rice? Yes, you can absolutely substitute brown rice for white rice. Be aware that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and potentially more liquid for proper tenderness.
• Can I make this Gluten-Free? You can make this casserole gluten-free. Just ensure that both the beef consommé and the French onion soup you use are explicitly certified as gluten-free on their labels.

Conclusion

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole truly delivers on flavor and simplicity. It’s a deliciously easy way to bring a hearty, comforting meal to your family’s table with minimal effort. The rich French onion flavors combined with savory ground beef and tender rice create an irresistible dish everyone will love. Give this simple yet satisfying casserole a try tonight; your family will thank you! We encourage you to try this recipe, rate it, and share your delightful experience!

Hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring savory ground beef, long-grain rice, and rich French onion flavor, perfect for a hearty family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

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

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Foil
• Fork

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the lean ground beef with garlic salt until it is browned and cooked through.
3. Add the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef to the prepared baking dish. Pour in the beef consume, French onion soup, and water, then stir until well combined.
4. Cut the butter into slices and arrange them on top of the casserole mixture.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Once baked, fluff the casserole with a fork and serve hot.

Notes

Consider adding shredded cheese or crushed fried onions during the last 15-20 minutes of baking for a cheesy and crispy topping.