Why make this recipe
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty dish that warms you up on cold days. It’s comforting and packed with flavor, thanks to the rich taste of French onion soup and the savory ground beef. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for families. It can feed a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or dinner parties. Plus, it is a one-pan meal which means less cleanup for you!
How to make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1/2 to 1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consomme
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans French onion soup
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked (not minute rice)
- 3/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 stick, cut into slices
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and garlic salt to season it. Cook the beef until it is browned and crumbled.
- In your prepared baking dish, combine the rice and cooked ground beef.
- Pour the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water over the mixture and stir until everything is combined.
- Cut the butter into slices and place them on top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake it in the oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes.
- When it is done, fluff the casserole with a fork and serve it hot.
How to serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole hot right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also sprinkle grated cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy touch.
How to store French Onion, Ground Beef, and Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool down completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool thoroughly before freezing to maintain its texture.
Tips to make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Don’t skip the butter as it adds richness to the casserole.
- Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavors and textures.
- Use low-sodium soup and broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Variation (if any)
If you want a healthier option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added nutrition, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
No, it is best to use long-grain white rice. Instant rice will cook too quickly and may not absorb the flavors as well.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole should be bubbly, and the rice should be tender. You can check if the rice is cooked by tasting a small sample. If it’s firm, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and garlic salt to season it. Cook the beef until it is browned and crumbled.
- In your prepared baking dish, combine the rice and cooked ground beef.
- Pour the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water over the mixture and stir until everything is combined.
- Cut the butter into slices and place them on top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake it in the oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes.
- When it is done, fluff the casserole with a fork and serve hot.
