French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

Category: Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Gatherings Big and Small

This dish combines the rich savoriness of French onion soup with hearty ground beef and long grain white rice. Everything bakes in a single pan, with butter creating a luscious texture, while beef consommé and French onion soup infuse every spoonful with deep flavor. Easily adaptable, it can be finished with a layer of cheese or a crunchy topping of crispy onions. It’s conveniently prepared in one baker or skillet, needing minimal prep before oven time, which results in a warming, family-style meal that delivers delicious comfort any night of the week.

Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:41 GMT
A wooden spoon is being used to scoop food from a casserole dish. Pin
A wooden spoon is being used to scoop food from a casserole dish. | lottirecipes.com

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole packs the warmth of classic French onion soup into a weeknight-friendly bake that is both hearty and crowd-pleasing. Tender ground beef and fluffy rice soak up layers of rich broth and butter, turning a handful of pantry staples into a comforting family dinner you will want on repeat.

I first whipped up a version of this dish on a chilly night when I needed something easy that would feed a crowd My family scraped the casserole dish clean and ever since it has been on regular rotation whenever we crave something cozy

Ingredients

  • Ground beef lean: Choose fresh bright red beef with little visible fat for a tender protein base
  • Garlic salt: Adds an easy boost of savory seasoning Use a high quality garlic salt for the best flavor
  • Beef consomme canned: This rich broth deepens the meaty taste Look for unsalted or low sodium if you want more control
  • French onion soup canned: Classic flavor and caramelized onion notes Read the label and choose a brand with real onions
  • Long grain white rice uncooked: Avoid instant rice for the best texture Choose grains that look uniform and clean
  • Butter sliced: Real butter adds richness and helps create a perfectly golden top European style butter brings extra flavor
  • Water: Just enough to ensure the rice becomes tender

Selecting top quality canned soup and beef is the best way to guarantee great results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the beef:
Add the ground beef to a large skillet Sprinkle with garlic salt and cook over medium heat Break up the beef using a wooden spoon Continue cooking until browned and the meat is no longer pink Drain excess fat but keep some in for extra flavor
Layer the ingredients:
In a nine by thirteen inch baking dish scatter the uncooked white rice over the bottom Add the cooked ground beef on top
Mix liquids:
Pour in the beef consomme the French onion soup and the water Stir everything together in the dish ensuring the rice is evenly distributed
Add the butter:
Slice the butter and place the pieces evenly across the surface of the mixture This will melt and create a luscious crust as it bakes
Bake covered:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a four hundred twenty five degree oven for thirty minutes This steams the rice and lets flavors meld
Finish uncovered:
Remove the foil and continue baking for another thirty minutes This step gives it a golden top and allows any excess liquid to evaporate
Fluff and serve:
Once baked use a fork to gently fluff the rice Let it sit a few minutes before serving This makes it easier to scoop and ensures the rice is fluffy
A wooden spoon is being used to scoop rice and meat from a casserole dish. Pin
A wooden spoon is being used to scoop rice and meat from a casserole dish. | lottirecipes.com

French onion soup mix is my favorite shortcut ingredient It wraps the whole dish in that signature sweet and savory flavor Every time I make this I remember my kids’ excitement when they first tasted it and declared it the best casserole ever

Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool completely before placing leftovers in airtight containers Store in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage freeze individual slices tightly wrapped then thaw overnight and reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version You can use brown rice but increase the baking time and add extra water Try plant based ground meat for a vegetarian spin with veggie broth

Serving Suggestions

Add a crisp green salad dressed simply or serve with steamed green beans and crusty bread The casserole is rich so a fresh veggie side balances it out For gatherings top with extra cheese and crispy onions then broil briefly to wow a crowd

Cultural Context

French onion soup is a French classic with sweet caramelized onions and beef broth as the stars This casserole channels those comforting flavors in an easy American style bake It is the sort of meal that bridges generations and feels like home

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be substituted, but will usually require a longer baking time and a bit more liquid to ensure everything cooks through.

→ What cheese works best for a cheesy topping?

Provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella melt beautifully and pair well with the savory base flavor. Choose your favorite or mix for extra richness.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

It can be assembled a few hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Bring to room temperature before putting in the oven for best results.

→ Is there a way to add extra crunch?

Add crispy onions or crispy jalapeños on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, either alone or over melted cheese for a golden, crunchy finish.

→ Can I use another type of meat?

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef; just adjust seasonings to taste as they have a milder flavor.

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

French onion soup flavors with beef and rice, baked together for an easy, comforting dinner everyone will enjoy.

Preparation Time
10 mins
Cook Time
60 mins
Total Time
70 mins

Category: Family Meals

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 large casserole)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 450 g lean ground beef
02 0.5–1 teaspoon garlic salt, to taste
03 2 x 298 g cans beef consommé
04 2 x 298 g cans French onion soup
05 180 ml water
06 360 g long grain white rice, uncooked
07 170 g unsalted butter, sliced

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven to 220°C. Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 02

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with garlic salt over medium heat until thoroughly browned and crumbled.

Step 03

Transfer browned beef and uncooked rice to the prepared baking dish. Stir in beef consommé, French onion soup, and water until well combined.

Step 04

Arrange sliced butter evenly over the surface of the mixture.

Step 05

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 06

Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Step 07

Remove from oven, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.

Additional Notes

  1. For a one-pot preparation, use a Dutch oven to brown the beef, then add remaining ingredients and bake as directed.
  2. For a cheesy version, top with sliced or shredded cheese such as provolone, swiss, or mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  3. Garnish with crispy fried onions or jalapeños for added texture during the final 10 minutes of baking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Oven
  • 23 x 33 cm baking dish
  • Aluminium foil

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Contains dairy (butter, optional cheese); may contain gluten if using non-gluten-free soups.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 359
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 13 g