Gather around, friends, because today we are talking about a casserole that truly brings comfort to the table. This French Onion Ground Beef and rice casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that promises to become a new family favorite. Combining classic French onion flavors with satisfying ground beef and fluffy rice, it offers an easy and wonderfully warming dinner for any night of the week.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole
This comforting casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience designed to make cooking simple and joyful. You will cherish how easily this dish comes together.
- Simple, Minimal Steps: You need only a few straightforward steps to create this wonderful meal, perfect for even beginner cooks.
- Hearty, Satisfying Comfort Food: It is a filling dish that warms the soul, making everyone feel nourished and content.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This recipe relies on common pantry staples, making it an economical choice for family dinners.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare it ahead of time to enjoy convenient, flavorful meals throughout your busy week.
- Customizable to Taste: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite vegetables to make this casserole uniquely yours.
Ingredients
Creating this comforting French Onion Ground Beef casserole starts with a simple list of ingredients, designed to bring robust flavor with minimal fuss. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered taste profile. Gather these items to begin your culinary journey:
- 1 pound ground beef – lean
- ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt – or to taste
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consume
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans french onion soup
- ¾ cup water
- 2 cups long grain white rice – uncooked (not minute rice)
- ¾ cup butter – 1 ½ stick, cut into slices
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. For the ground beef, selecting a lean ground beef ensures a less greasy result, though an 80/20 blend works well too. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter touch, adjusting cooking times slightly. If you cannot find beef consume, regular beef broth or stock makes a fine substitute, though consume offers a deeper, richer base.
The recipe calls for long-grain white rice; it cooks beautifully in the casserole. Avoid instant or minute rice, as it will become mushy. For butter, feel free to use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the sodium, or a plant-based alternative if needed. Remember, cooking is about making a recipe your own!
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to create this inviting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Basic kitchen essentials will ensure a smooth cooking process.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: This standard size is perfect for holding all the casserole ingredients.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for browning the ground beef.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Mixing spoon: To combine everything thoroughly.
- Foil: To cover the casserole during the first baking stage.
How To Make French Onion Ground Beef
Bringing this comforting French Onion Ground Beef and rice casserole to life is a simple, step-by-step process. Follow these clear instructions to create a wonderfully warming meal for your family.
- Prep Oven & Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prepares your dish for easy cleanup.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and season it with ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, or to your taste. Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned and cooked through. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step ensures your casserole isn’t greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the uncooked long-grain white rice and the browned ground beef into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour in both cans of beef consume, both cans of French onion soup, and the ¾ cup of water. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly in the dish until they are well combined. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Add Butter: Take your ¾ cup of butter (1 ½ sticks) and cut it into even slices. Arrange these butter slices evenly over the top of the mixture in the baking dish. The butter will melt and create a rich, flavorful top layer as it bakes.
- First Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The foil traps the steam, allowing the rice to cook perfectly and absorb the wonderful French onion flavors.
- Second Bake: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This second baking period allows the top to become golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before using a fork to gently fluff the rice and meat mixture. Serve this comforting French Onion Ground Beef casserole warm, and watch your family enjoy every hearty bite.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips will elevate your French Onion Ground Beef casserole and help you tackle common cooking questions.
- One-Pot Method: For fewer dishes, brown the beef in a Dutch oven. Then, add all other ingredients directly to the Dutch oven and bake, saving a step.
- Cheesy Topping: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Crispy Topping: Add a sprinkle of store-bought fried onions or even crispy jalapeños during the final minutes for a delightful crunch.
- Prevent Dry Rice: Always ensure you follow the liquid ratios precisely. If your oven runs hot, you might need to add an extra ¼ cup of water or beef broth.
- Flavor Boost: For a truly authentic French onion flavor, sauté thinly sliced fresh yellow onions in butter until deeply caramelized before adding the ground beef.
Learning about the culinary science behind caramelizing onions reveals how their natural sugars transform into a rich, sweet depth of flavor. This adds a depth of flavor.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile French Onion Ground Beef and rice casserole easily adapts to your family’s needs, whether you’re serving it for dinner, saving it for later, or exploring new flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich casserole with simple sides to balance its heartiness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are also wonderful companions, adding vital nutrients and color. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up all the flavorful juices!
Storage
Leftovers of this French Onion Ground Beef casserole are fantastic. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until warm, or place the covered casserole back in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
- Low-Carb: Replace the white rice with riced cauliflower. You will need to significantly reduce the liquid amount, as cauliflower releases its own moisture and doesn’t absorb as much.
- Alternate Proteins: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner casserole. Adjust the garlic salt to taste.
- Add-ins: Stir in sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or chopped carrots with the rice for extra vegetables and texture.
- Extra Creaminess: For a richer, creamier casserole, stir in about 4 ounces of cream cheese (cut into cubes) during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
This French Onion Ground Beef and rice casserole provides a hearty and satisfying meal, offering a good balance of macronutrients. It’s a robust dish designed to keep you feeling full and energized. Enjoy this fulfilling casserole as part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 359 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 59 mg |
| Sodium | 635 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 7 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You might have a few questions as you prepare this comforting casserole. Here are some common inquiries to help you along.
What does “brown meat” mean?
Browning meat means cooking it over medium-high heat until the raw pink color disappears and the meat develops a browned crust. This process adds depth of flavor.
Can I use brown rice?
You can use brown rice, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Expect to bake it covered for at least 45-50 minutes, then uncovered for another 30-40 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients can be gluten-free, but always check the labels on your French onion soup and beef consume. Many brands offer gluten-free versions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire French Onion Ground Beef casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
What kind of beef is best?
For this recipe, lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) works wonderfully as it reduces excess grease while retaining rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef and rice casserole truly embodies the spirit of home cooking: simple, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully comforting. It’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table, creating moments and memories with every spoonful.
We hope you feel encouraged to try this recipe, knowing it offers both ease and a rich, hearty taste that family members will request again and again. Share your creations and the joy this meal brings!
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef with garlic salt until fully cooked; drain any excess fat.
- Combine the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef in the prepared baking dish, then pour in the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water, stirring until well mixed.
- Arrange the sliced butter evenly over the top of the rice and beef mixture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Fluff the casserole with a fork before serving warm.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
