French onion ground beef and rice is a cozy baked casserole made with lean ground beef, long-grain white rice, French onion soup, beef consommé, and sliced butter.

It is a simple family dinner for busy weeknights, Sunday meals, or meal prep when you want something filling with very little hands-on time.

This recipe bakes in one dish after the beef is browned, making it easy to prep and even easier to serve.

Times + Servings + Basic Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Cuisine: American

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses budget-friendly ground beef and pantry staples.
• Bakes into tender, savory rice with rich French onion flavor.
• Great for family dinners, leftovers, and meal prep.
• No complicated steps or special equipment needed.
• Easy to customize with cheese, vegetables, or extra seasoning.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic salt, to taste
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cans, 10.5 ounces each, beef consommé
• 2 cans, 10.5 ounces each, French onion soup
• ¾ cup water
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, sliced
• Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking dish

Ingredient Notes

• Use long-grain white rice, not instant rice or minute rice. Instant rice can turn mushy.
• Beef consommé gives the casserole a deeper flavor than regular broth, but beef broth can work in a pinch.
• Unsalted butter helps balance the saltiness of the canned soups.
• Taste the mixture before adding extra garlic salt because the soups already contain sodium.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice

1. Preheat the oven.
   Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Brown the ground beef.
   Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with garlic salt, then cook and crumble until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Combine the rice and liquids.
   Add the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef to the prepared baking dish. Pour in the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water. Stir well so the rice is evenly covered with liquid.
4. Add the butter.
   Place the sliced butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture. This helps the rice bake up rich, tender, and flavorful.
5. Bake covered, then uncovered.
   Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
6. Fluff and serve.
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then serve warm.

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheesy topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss-style cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Crispy topping: Add crushed buttery crackers or crispy fried onions after removing the foil for extra crunch.
• Add vegetables: Stir in mushrooms, peas, green beans, or finely diced carrots before baking.
• Lighter option: Use 93% lean ground beef and reduce the butter to ½ cup.
• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free French onion soup and beef consommé.
• Extra savory flavor: Add black pepper, onion powder, or a little Worcestershire-style sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool before storing.

Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

What to Serve With French Onion Ground Beef and Rice

• Roasted green beans
• Steamed broccoli
• Simple garden salad
• Garlic bread
• Glazed carrots

FAQ

Can I use instant rice for French onion ground beef and rice?

Instant rice is not recommended for this recipe. It cooks much faster than long-grain white rice and can become too soft or mushy during the long baking time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can brown the ground beef and assemble the casserole a few hours ahead. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

Why is my rice still crunchy after baking?

Crunchy rice usually means the dish needed more time, the foil was not sealed tightly, or the rice was not fully covered with liquid. Cover the dish again and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes, adding a small splash of broth if it looks dry.

Can I add cheese to this ground beef and rice casserole?

Yes, cheese works well with the French onion flavor. Add shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss-style cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking so it melts without overbrowning.

Nutrition (Estimated)

Calories: 510
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. For precise dietary advice, please consult a nutrition professional.

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