French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Finest

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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Finest

When it comes to easy, hearty, and flavorful weeknight dinners, few recipes compare to a well-made casserole. Our French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-dish wonder that delivers deep, savory flavor using simple pantry staples. It’s rich, cozy, and loved by both kids and adults alike—a true family favorite that’s as satisfying as it is budget-friendly.

Why French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

This casserole is a game-changer for busy households. With minimal prep and just one baking dish, it turns humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Uses everyday pantry ingredients
  • One-dish dinner means less cleanup
  • Quick prep – more time to relax
  • Affordable yet full of flavor
  • Easily customizable with added veggies, cheese, or seasonings

This is the kind of meal you can throw together when the fridge is nearly empty, and it still tastes like you spent hours on it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious and filling casserole, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added depth)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional topping, cheddar or mozzarella works well)
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl or directly in your casserole dish, combine the cooked ground beef, uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef consommé, water, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and coated with liquid.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquids. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired, and return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.

Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh, colorful touch.

Tips for the Best French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

  • Use long grain rice – Short grain or minute rice may turn mushy.
  • Do not skip the foil cover during baking – This traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
  • Want extra flavor? Add a splash of soy sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or a handful of sautéed mushrooms.
  • Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to make it a complete meal.
  • Double the batch and freeze one—this casserole freezes well and reheats beautifully.

What to Serve with This Casserole

This dish is rich and savory, so pairing it with a few lighter sides helps round out the meal:

  • Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
  • Steamed green beans or broccoli
  • Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls
  • Pickled vegetables for a touch of brightness

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This casserole is ideal for meal prepping or make-ahead dinners. Here’s how to store it:

  • To Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • To Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • To Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

Variations to Try

Cheesy Mushroom Version

Add ½ cup sliced mushrooms and top with extra cheese for an even creamier result.

Tex-Mex Twist

Stir in ½ cup salsa, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

Swap out ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter but equally delicious take.

Vegetarian Option

Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetarian consommé or broth.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(based on 6 servings, without cheese topping)

  • Calories: ~370 kcal
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Fat: ~16g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sodium: ~850mg

This dish is hearty and protein-rich, perfect for keeping you full and satisfied.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings together the essence of comfort food with the practicality of a one-pan meal. The French onion soup imparts a rich umami depth, while beef consommé enhances the savory beef base. Combined with fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor, the result is a satisfying meal that requires little effort but delivers big taste.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply need a no-fuss dinner after a long day, this casserole is a reliable go-to. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s just that good.

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