There’s something magical about a bubbling, savory casserole coming out of the oven—especially when it’s packed with rich flavors, requires minimal prep, and feeds a crowd with ease. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening, a hectic weeknight, or a relaxed family Sunday dinner, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole hits the spot every single time.
This recipe is inspired by the cozy, nostalgic meals many of us grew up eating. It blends the deep, satisfying flavor of French onion soup with the heartiness of ground beef and the simplicity of white rice. The result? A dish that’s not only soul-warming but also surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples. It’s perfect for busy parents, comfort food enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a one-pan wonder that delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Dish Wonder
No need for multiple pots and pans—everything comes together in a single baking dish.
🕒 Time-Saving
With just 15 minutes of prep, this casserole is in the oven and out of your hands for an hour.
🍽️ Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters will go back for seconds (and thirds).
💲 Budget-Conscious
Made with inexpensive ingredients that stretch your dollar without compromising on taste.
🧈 Rich, Buttery Flavor
With slices of butter melting over the dish while it bakes, the result is decadently flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) beef consommé
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) French onion soup
- 180 ml (¾ cup) water
- 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 170g (¾ cup) butter, sliced (1 ½ sticks)
Optional Add-Ons:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss, Gruyère, or Mozzarella)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Follow these step-by-step directions for a hassle-free dinner that’s ready in just over an hour.
🔥 Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or a light brush of oil.
🍳 Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in ½ to 1 tsp of garlic salt, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink.
🍚 Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add the cooked ground beef, layering it over the rice.
🥣 Step 4: Mix the Liquids
In a large bowl (or directly in the pan for fewer dishes), combine the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and rice in the casserole dish. Gently stir to incorporate everything.
🧈 Step 5: Add Butter
Top the mixture with evenly spaced slices of butter. This will melt into the casserole as it bakes, infusing it with a rich, savory flavor.
⏲️ Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
🔄 Step 7: Uncover and Continue Baking
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rice is tender.
🍽️ Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Fluff the casserole with a fork and serve hot. Add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
🧀 Want More Flavor? Add Cheese!
In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. A sharp Swiss or creamy mozzarella takes this casserole to the next level.
🌿 Brighten It Up
Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and freshness.
🍄 Make It Your Own
Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or caramelized onions before baking.
🧊 Meal Prep Friendly
This dish is excellent for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Why French Onion and Ground Beef Work So Well Together
The inspiration for this casserole lies in the classic French onion soup—deeply savory, slightly sweet, and rich in umami. When combined with ground beef, which adds a meaty robustness, and rice, which soaks up all those juices, the result is an incredibly satisfying dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t).
Plus, the buttery finish gives it a decadent texture that will make your guests think it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
Looking to round out your meal? Here are a few easy side dish suggestions:
- Simple Green Salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Steamed Green Beans or roasted asparagus
- Crusty French Bread for soaking up any leftover sauce
- Red Wine like a Merlot or Syrah pairs beautifully
What Readers Are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This casserole is my new go-to for busy weeknights. So easy, so tasty, and my whole family loved it!” – Jamie R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It reminds me of a dish my grandma used to make. Comfort food at its finest.” – Tasha W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I added cheese on top and WOW—it was even better than I expected.” – Mark D.
Nutritional Breakdown
- Calories per Serving: 480
- Servings per Recipe: 8
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
This dish strikes a balance between indulgence and practicality. With protein from the beef, carbs from the rice, and fats from the butter, it’s a complete and satisfying meal in one.
Make It Tonight: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
If you’re craving something savory, comforting, and foolproof, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole deserves a spot on your weekly dinner rotation. It’s easy to throw together, affordable, and guaranteed to be a hit at the table—especially when the melted butter and onion soup create that golden, bubbling finish.
So next time you’re staring into your pantry wondering what to make, remember this dish. It’s the kind of recipe you can return to again and again—and it never disappoints.