French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole transforms basic ingredients into a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that always disappears quickly in my house. The rich, savory taste of French onion soup combines with hearty ground beef and fluffy rice to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.

I first created this casserole during a particularly busy week when I needed something substantial but easy. My teenagers now request it regularly, especially when they bring friends over because it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and savory flavor base perfect for absorbing the soup flavors
• French onion soup cans: Bring complex flavor without chopping a single onion
• Beef consommé: Adds richness and depth that elevates the entire dish
• Long grain white rice: Soaks up all the delicious flavors while providing satisfying texture
• Butter: Creates an irresistible richness that makes this casserole special
• Garlic salt: Seasons the beef perfectly and complements the onion flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. The high temperature helps develop deeper flavors.

Brown the beef:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and sprinkle with garlic salt. Cook until completely browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains.

Combine ingredients:

Add the uncooked rice to your prepared baking dish, then spread the cooked ground beef evenly over top. Pour in both cans of French onion soup, both cans of beef consommé, and water. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

Add butter:

Cut your butter into thin slices and distribute them evenly across the top of the casserole. This creates pockets of richness throughout the dish as it melts and bakes.

Covered bake:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for exactly 30 minutes. The foil traps steam which helps cook the rice properly without drying out.

Uncovered bake:

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the top develops a beautiful golden color with slightly crispy edges.

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The beef consommé is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance by accident when I once substituted regular beef broth. The consommé adds a concentrated richness that transforms this from a simple casserole into something that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Make It Your Own

This casserole welcomes customization based on your family's preferences. Some of my favorite variations include adding 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the beef while browning, stirring in 1 cup of frozen peas before baking, or mixing in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami depth. The recipe maintains its comforting essence while allowing you to put your personal stamp on it.

One-Pot Wonder

For busy nights when dishes are the enemy, you can make this entire casserole in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven. Brown your beef in the vessel, drain if needed, then add all remaining ingredients directly to the same pot. Cover and transfer straight to the oven. This approach creates slightly crispier edges on the rice that my family particularly enjoys.

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Storage Solutions

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, portion cooled casserole into freezer containers, leaving a half inch of space at the top, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to refresh the moisture level and prevent dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dish in one pot?

Yes, you can prepare this in a cast iron Dutch oven or a large cast iron skillet, reducing cleanup by cooking and baking in the same dish.

→ What type of cheese goes best with this casserole?

Provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella work best for a cheesy topping. Add them during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, golden finish.

→ Can I add a crunchy topping?

Absolutely! Top with crispy onions or jalapenos for extra texture. Simply bake for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

→ Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

→ What is the best rice variety for this dish?

Long grain white rice is ideal for this recipe. Avoid using minute or instant rice, as it can affect the texture.