French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining the rich flavors of ground beef, savory French onion soup, and tender long-grain white rice. Baked until bubbly and topped with buttery slices, this casserole delivers a delicious, fuss-free dinner perfect for family meals or casual entertaining. For an indulgent twist, add melted cheese in the final minutes of baking for a crispy, gooey finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ to 1 teaspoon 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 uncooked long grain white rice (not instant rice)
- ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks), cut into slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and garlic salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula until browned and fully cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked ground beef to the prepared baking dish. Add the uncooked rice, then pour in the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add Butter: Arrange the butter slices evenly on top of the mixture to create a rich, buttery finish during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes uncovered to let the rice cook fully and the top to set.
- Optional Cheesy Topping: If desired, after uncovering, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded or sliced cheese (provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella work well) on top and bake for the last 10 minutes to melt and crisp the cheese.
- Fluff and Serve: Once baking is complete, fluff the casserole with a fork to separate the rice and serve warm.
Notes
- One-Pot Method: To reduce cleanup, use a 12-inch cast iron Dutch oven or skillet to brown the ground beef, then add the rice, liquids, and butter directly to the pot before baking.
- Cheesy Version: For a cheesy twist, add 1 ½ cups of shredded or sliced cheese after the initial 30 minutes of covered baking, then bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to melt and crisp the cheese.
