If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that brings a touch of French onion soup magic to an everyday favorite, then this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is about to become your new dinner obsession. It combines tender ground beef with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and beef consommé, all nestled in fluffy long grain rice. This hearty casserole offers that perfect blend of meaty, oniony goodness, buttery richness, and comforting texture—all baked together until bubbling and golden. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special, this dish checks all the boxes.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients will set you up for success. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the rich ground beef to the flavorful soups and finally the luscious butter topping.

1 pound ground beef (lean): Adds hearty protein and a meaty base that carries all the flavors.
½ to 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste): Seasons the beef perfectly, enhancing the savory notes.
2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consommé: Infuses the dish with rich, beefy depth and moisture for the rice.
2 (10.5 ounce) cans French onion soup: Brings classic French onion flavor, with its sweet caramelized onions and broth.
¾ cup water: Balances the liquids so the rice cooks beautifully and the casserole isn’t too wet.
2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked, not minute rice): The perfect starch to soak up all those delicious juices and hold everything together.
¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks, cut into slices): Melted over the top, it creates a rich, golden finish with a silky touch.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick later and will be easy to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, toss in your ground beef along with the garlic salt for seasoning. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step locks in that juicy, savory flavor that’s the heart of the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish

Take your prepared baking dish and add the uncooked rice along with the browned ground beef. Pour in the two cans of French onion soup, the beef consommé, and the water. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed and soaked with all the flavorful liquids.

Step 4: Add Butter Topping

Slice the butter into smaller pieces and scatter them on top of the casserole mixture. This not only adds richness but helps produce that golden top as it bakes, infusing every bite with buttery goodness.

Step 5: First Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to start absorbing the liquids and cook through evenly.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered to Finish

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for another 30 minutes uncovered. This step is crucial for getting a slight golden crust on top and allowing excess moisture to evaporate, creating the perfect texture.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

When it’s done, take the casserole out, and fluff everything together with a fork to separate the rice grains and distribute the oniony beef mixture evenly. Serve it warm and enjoy that delightful blend of textures and flavors!

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

To add a bit of fresh brightness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. For a cheesy twist, you can grate some sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese on top and broil it for a few minutes until bubbly and golden, making this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli can make the meal balanced and refreshing. Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread are great for soaking up any leftover juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it extra special by serving individual portions in ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for dinner parties. Layer in caramelized onions on top for an extra French-inspired touch, or add sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for added earthiness. The possibilities are wonderfully flexible with this casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy lunches or reheated dinners.

Freezing

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, warm it up in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through, so you keep that casserole moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more chewiness, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to partially cook the brown rice beforehand or adjust the baking time and liquid amounts accordingly.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef consommé. Just make sure your French onion soup is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands include meat-based broths.

What if I don’t have French onion soup cans? Can I make my own?

Definitely! Homemade French onion soup with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a touch of seasoning makes a delicious substitute. This adds a fresh, personal touch to your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

How can I add a cheesy topping?

After removing the foil in Step 6, sprinkle shredded Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar cheese over the top and bake uncovered until the cheese melts and bubbles. For an extra crispy finish, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes while keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?

You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready, remove it from the fridge to come closer to room temperature before baking as directed. This makes meal prep a breeze!

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those satisfying comfort foods that warms you up from the inside out. It’s easy to make, full of incredible flavor, and adaptable to your tastes or what’s on hand. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your dinner rotation, ready to please hungry friends and family alike with each hearty, flavorful bite.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines lean ground beef with aromatic French onion soup and tender long grain rice. Baked to perfection with a buttery top, it’s a comforting one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 pound lean ground beef
½ to 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)

Liquids & Broths

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

Grains

2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked, not instant)

Fats

¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks), cut into slices

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sprinkle garlic salt to season. Cook, crumbling the beef, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef. Pour in the two cans of French onion soup, two cans of beef consommé, and ¾ cup water. Gently stir all ingredients until well combined.
Add Butter: Slice the butter sticks and evenly distribute the slices on top of the rice and beef mixture. This will help create a rich, tender texture during baking.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps develop a slight crust on top. For a cheesy and crispy topping, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during this step as suggested in the notes.
Serve: Once finished, fluff the casserole gently with a fork to separate the rice and beef mixture. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Notes

For a cheesy and crispy topping, sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top after removing the foil, then bake uncovered.
If you prefer less sodium, choose low-sodium soups and broth to reduce salt content.
You can substitute water with low-sodium beef broth for extra flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the beef consommé and French onion soup are gluten free or substitute with gluten-free broth and seasoning.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: French Onion Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Rice Casserole, Easy Dinner, One-Pot Meal