When the weather cools down and you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, a casserole is the perfect choice. French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is just the dish you need for a cozy family dinner. With its rich, savory flavors and simple ingredients, this casserole is easy to make yet comforting enough to bring everyone together at the dinner table. Whether you’re enjoying a chilly evening or hosting a family meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this casserole takes all the elements of that beloved dish—caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and tender rice—and combines them into a single, satisfying meal. The addition of ground beef and butter makes it even more indulgent, ensuring that every bite is as comforting as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful casserole recipe!
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
If you’re a fan of French onion soup or beef and rice dishes, this casserole is the perfect hybrid of the two. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, rice, and savory broth, it’s a complete meal in one dish.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a flavorful casserole that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: You can add extra ingredients like cheese, herbs, or even vegetables to make the dish your own.
Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, this casserole provides all the comfort food goodness you could ask for.
Ingredients for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, yet they come together to create a dish bursting with flavor.
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef: The hearty base of this dish, providing protein and flavor.
- ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt: Adds a touch of savory flavor. Adjust to your taste!
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) beef consomme: This concentrated beef broth infuses the dish with deep, rich flavor.
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) French onion soup: The star ingredient! French onion soup gives the casserole its signature taste, complete with the sweetness of caramelized onions.
- 180ml (¾ cup) water: Helps to balance the consistency and cook the rice.
- 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked: The rice is the perfect medium to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 170g (¾ cup) butter, sliced (1 ½ sticks): Butter adds richness and helps everything bake together beautifully.
Pro Tip:
If you want to kick up the flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the beef while browning it. It will bring an extra depth of umami to the casserole.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to put together. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Add garlic salt to season the beef while it cooks. Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, remove it from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer the cooked ground beef over the rice.
Step 4: Add the Soups and Water
Next, pour in the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. The liquid will help cook the rice and keep everything moist as it bakes.
Step 5: Top with Butter
Slice the butter into thin pieces and place them on top of the casserole. The butter will melt as it bakes, adding richness and flavor to every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and absorb the flavors of the beef, soup, and broth.
Step 7: Uncover and Bake for an Additional 30 Minutes
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake the casserole for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. This step will give the casserole a nice texture and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Fluff and Serve
Once the casserole is done, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. This will help distribute the beef and soup evenly throughout the dish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use lean ground beef: This will prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will create a golden, cheesy crust that adds even more flavor to the dish.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be prepared the day before and refrigerated. Just pop it in the oven for the final baking once you’re ready to serve.
- Use a foil tent: To prevent the casserole from getting too browned too quickly, create a foil “tent” by covering the dish loosely with foil. This will allow the casserole to cook evenly without drying out.
Variations and Additions
While this recipe is already delicious, you can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Add vegetables: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even frozen peas to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the casserole a bit of heat.
- Herb infusion: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a great complement to this hearty casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for an extra indulgence.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans would add a healthy balance to the richness of the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the baking instructions. If it’s been in the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the original baking instructions.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is filling enough on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion: A Family Favorite You’ll Keep Coming Back To
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. With its savory flavors, tender rice, and comforting beef, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So why not try this recipe today? It might just become your new go-to comfort food!
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French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
When the weather cools down and you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, a casserole is the perfect choice. French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is just the dish you need for a cozy family dinner. With its rich, savory flavors and simple ingredients, this casserole is easy to make yet comforting enough to bring everyone together at the dinner table. Whether you’re enjoying a chilly evening or hosting a family meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) beef consomme
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) French onion soup
- 180ml (¾ cup) water
- 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 170g (¾ cup) butter, sliced (1 ½ sticks)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with garlic salt until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles.
- Spread the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour in the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Place the sliced butter on top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the top is golden.
- Fluff the casserole with a fork before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, you can sprinkle some grated cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour