French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

I’ll never forget the first time I made French Onion Ground Beef Casserole. It was one of those chaotic weeknights when I had zero energy to cook but a house full of hungry people. I threw together what I had in the pantry—ground beef, rice, and a couple cans of French onion soup—and hoped for the best. Let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The rich, savory flavors of the soup paired with the hearty beef and fluffy rice turned this into an instant family favorite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for those nights when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy dinner that’s big on flavor, this casserole has got you covered. It’s quick to assemble, uses simple ingredients, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

• It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, if you can brown ground beef and stir a few cans together, you’ve got this. No fancy techniques—just dump, bake, and devour.
• The flavor is unreal. That French onion soup magic? It soaks into the rice and beef, creating this deep, savory taste that’ll make you forget it’s a pantry-staple meal.
• Feeds a crowd (or your future self). Leftovers taste even better the next day, and it reheats like a dream. Perfect for meal prep or those nights when you just don’t want to cook.
• Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly. My nephew, who thinks ketchup is spicy, gobbles this up. The flavors are familiar but somehow feel fancy.
• Pantry hero. No fresh onions? No problem. The soups do all the work, and the rice soaks up every bit of that delicious broth.
• Butter on top. Need I say more? Those golden slices melt into the casserole, making the rice extra rich and irresistible.

This is the kind of dish that’ll have everyone asking, “When are you making it again?”—and you’ll actually want to because it’s that simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need for French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10) – The leaner the better here, so you don’t end up with too much grease. Trust me, nobody wants a soggy casserole.
• ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic salt – Start with ½ teaspoon and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back!
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans beef consommé – Look for Campbell’s—it’s my go-to. If you can’t find consommé, regular beef broth works in a pinch.
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans French onion soup – Again, Campbell’s is my favorite here. The flavor is just right.
• ¾ cup water – Just plain ol’ water to help cook that rice.
• 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice – Don’t use instant rice! It’ll turn to mush. Long grain gives you those perfect fluffy bites.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, sliced – Yes, that’s a lot of butter. No, I won’t apologize. Slice it thin so it melts evenly over the top.

That’s it! Seven ingredients (and one of them is water) for a dish that tastes like you spent hours cooking. Magic, right?

Step-by-Step Instructions for French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

Browning the Ground Beef

1. Grab your favorite skillet and heat it over medium heat. No oil needed—the beef’s got enough fat to get things going.
2. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally so it browns evenly.
3. Drain that fat! Tilt the skillet and spoon out as much as you can, or carefully pour it into a bowl (I use an old coffee can). Less grease means a better texture.
4. Sprinkle with garlic salt and give it a quick stir. Taste a tiny bit to see if it needs more—this is your flavor foundation!

Mixing the Casserole Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, dump both cans of beef consommé and French onion soup. Add the water and give it a good whisk to combine.
2. Stir in the uncooked rice and mix well. The rice needs to be fully submerged so it cooks evenly—no dry pockets!
3. Fold in the browned beef gently. You don’t want to break up those nice chunks too much.
4. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish (or something similar) and pour the mixture in. It’ll look soupy—that’s perfect! The rice will soak it all up.

Baking to Perfection

1. Arrange the butter slices evenly over the top. Don’t skimp—this is what makes the rice golden and rich.
2. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. The foil traps steam to cook the rice perfectly.
3. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes uncovered. This lets the top get slightly crispy and the butter work its magic.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps the rice set so it’s not mushy.

That’s it—your kitchen smells amazing, and dinner’s ready. Dig in while it’s piping hot!

Delicious Variations of French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’s a lighter option but still packs plenty of flavor. Just make sure to season it well—maybe add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra oomph.
• Toss in some veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas can add color and nutrients. Stir them in with the beef before baking.
• Use brown rice or wild rice. It’ll take a little longer to cook (add 10-15 minutes to the baking time), but the nutty flavor is worth it. Plus, it’s a healthier twist.
• Add cheese (because why not?). Sprinkle shredded Swiss or Gruyère on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, melty layer. It’s like French onion soup’s cheesy cousin.
• Spice it up. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can give it a little kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe is super forgiving, so make it your own!

Serving and Storage Tips for French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole is a showstopper all on its own, but a little garnish never hurt! I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a little grated Parmesan or a handful of crispy fried onions (yes, the ones from the green can!) takes it next-level. Serve it piping hot with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. Leftovers? No problem! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over the top and warm it in the oven or microwave until it’s steaming again. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so lunch the next day might be even better than dinner!

Helpful Notes for the Best French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

A few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make sure this casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Watch the salt! Between the soups and the garlic salt, this can get salty fast. If you’re sensitive to sodium, use low-sodium beef broth instead of consommé and skip the extra garlic salt.
• No consommé? No problem. Regular beef broth works fine—just add an extra tablespoon of butter to make up for the richness you lose.
• Leftovers freeze beautifully. Portion it out, wrap it tight, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• It’s hearty but not heavy. At about 450 calories per serving, it’s filling without being a gut-bomb. Pair it with a crisp salad if you want to lighten things up.

Most importantly—don’t stress! This recipe is forgiving, so even if you tweak it, it’ll still taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

I get asked these all the time—so here’s the scoop to save you some trial and error!

1. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then slice and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
2. Can I use instant rice instead?
   I wouldn’t. Instant rice turns mushy when baked this long. Stick with long grain—it holds up better and gives that perfect fluffy texture.
3. What if I don’t have beef consommé?
   Regular beef broth works fine, but add an extra tablespoon of butter to keep it rich. Or use all French onion soup for extra oniony goodness!
4. Can I make this ahead?
   Yes! Assemble it (minus the butter), cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the butter slices right before baking, and add 5-10 extra minutes to the cook time.
5. Why is my rice still crunchy?
   Ovens vary—if it’s underdone, cover it and bake another 10 minutes. And always let it rest after baking; the rice keeps absorbing liquid!

Still stumped? Just ask—I’ve probably made every mistake so you don’t have to!

Final Thoughts on French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

If there’s one recipe I’d trust to save a hectic weeknight, it’s this one. It’s the kind of dish that feels like you fussed over it for hours, but really, it’s just a few cans, some rice, and a whole lot of butter. The best part? It never fails to impress. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting a last-minute potluck, or just craving something cozy, this casserole delivers every single time. So grab those pantry staples and give it a try—I promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!

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