French Onion Beef Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table with smiles, and it’s become a regular in my rotation because it’s so comforting and simple.
In just about an hour, you can have this incredible, family-friendly meal ready to go. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and delicious this casserole is!
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Why You’ll Love This French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
This casserole is a guaranteed winner. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:
- It’s packed with the incredible flavor of French onion soup combined with savory beef.
- Despite having a few steps, it’s surprisingly easy to throw together, especially on busy weeknights.
- Everything cooks together in one dish, meaning fewer dishes to wash—always a plus!
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners and is easily customizable.
What Makes This French Onion Flavor Work?
The magic of this casserole comes from the French onion soup flavor profile. It’s a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and umami. The beef consume adds a deep, rich base, while the French onion soup brings in a subtle sweetness from the caramelized onions.
These flavors work so well because they complement each other, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. Think of other dishes that use caramelized onions and beef, like French dip sandwiches or classic French onion soup itself; they all share that same irresistible appeal.
Also if you love french onion, check out this Simple Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe.
Ingredients for French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean): This forms the hearty base of our casserole, providing a rich, savory flavor.
- ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste): This seasons the beef, adding a delicious garlicky punch that complements the other flavors.
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consume: This adds a concentrated beefy flavor and creates a luscious sauce.
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans french onion soup: This provides the signature French onion flavor, with its subtly sweet and savory notes.
- ¾ cup water: This helps to balance the richness of the soup and broth, creating the perfect consistency.
- 2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked (not minute rice)): This absorbs the flavors of the broth and soup, creating a tender and satisfying base.
- ¾ cup butter (1 ½ stick, cut into slices): This adds richness and moisture, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and becomes perfectly tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your own amazing French Onion Beef Rice Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and heats evenly.
- In a large skillet, add ground beef and garlic salt to season. Cook and crumble ground beef until browned and cooked through. Make sure to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks for even distribution in the casserole.
- In a prepared baking dish add rice and ground beef. Pour in soup, broth, and water and stir until combined. This is where all the delicious flavors start to mingle together.
- Cut butter into slices and place on top of the mixture. The butter melts into the rice as it bakes, adding richness and helping it cook perfectly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Covering the dish helps the rice steam and cook evenly.
- Remove foil and bake for 30 minutes more. This allows the top to brown and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Once done fluff with a fork and serve. Fluffing the rice ensures it’s light and airy, ready to be enjoyed.
Choosing the Right Rice
Using the right rice is crucial for this casserole. I always go for long-grain white ricex. It cooks evenly and absorbs the delicious flavors of the broth and soup without becoming mushy. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier, which isn’t ideal for a casserole.
Minute rice will cook too quickly and can turn to mush. If you use a different type of rice, you may end up with a casserole that’s either too dry or too mushy, so sticking with long-grain white rice is your best bet!
If you like casseroles, you might like this The Ultimate Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole.
Topping Variations for French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
Topping variations are a fun way to customize this dish! For a classic twist, try adding a layer of shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, nutty flavor. Provolone is another great option for a milder, slightly tangy taste.
Beyond cheese, you can sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for added texture and a boost of onion flavor. Panko breadcrumbs mixed with herbs like thyme or parsley also add a delightful crunch. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
Make-Ahead Instructions
Want to get ahead on your meal prep? You can easily prepare the ingredients for this casserole in advance. Cook the ground beef and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also mix the soup, broth, and water in a separate container.
When you’re ready to assemble the casserole, simply combine everything in the baking dish and proceed with the baking instructions. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Storing and Reheating Your Casserole
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months.
To prevent freezer burn, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking at 350°F until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad for a touch of freshness. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Troubleshooting Guide
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. If you find that the rice isn’t cooking evenly, make sure the butter is distributed evenly over the top. If the casserole seems to be drying out, add a splash of water or broth before covering it with foil again. These little tweaks can make a big difference!
Health Considerations
This casserole is undeniably delicious, but it’s worth noting that it can be high in sodium and fat. To reduce the sodium content, you can use low-sodium beef broth and consume. You can also opt for leaner ground beef to lower the fat content.
For an extra boost of nutrients, consider adding some chopped vegetables like carrots or celery to the casserole.
Variations and Substitutions
Here’s a table with some easy swaps:
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey | Cook and drain before adding to the casserole. |
| Ground beef | Ground chicken | Season well and cook thoroughly before adding to the casserole. |
| Ground beef | Italian sausage (removed from casing) | Adds a spicy kick! Be sure to cook and drain the sausage beforehand. |
Equipment Recommendations
To make this casserole process even smoother, I recommend using a good quality 9×13 inch baking dish. I love Pyrex or Anchor Hocking glass dishes because they distribute heat evenly and are easy to clean.
A sturdy skillet is also essential for browning the ground beef. I’m partial to my cast iron skillet since it heats evenly and can go straight from the stovetop to the oven.
FAQs about French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
Can you use brown rice or instant rice to make this rice casserole?
I recommend sticking to long-grain white rice for the best texture, but brown rice can be used with adjusted cooking times and more liquid. I don’t recommend instant rice because it can turn to mush.
Can rice casserole be made in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
While I haven’t tried it, it might work with adjustments to liquid and cooking time.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What type of cheese should I use?
Gruyere, Swiss, or Provolone are great choices!
What does it mean to brown meat?
Browning meat means cooking it until it develops a rich, brown color, which enhances its flavor.
Can I make this Gluten-Free?
Yes, ensure all of your ingredients are gluten-free!
Why is it important to not stir the rice while cooking?
Stirring the rice can release starches, making the casserole sticky.
What size baking dish is best and why?
A 9×13 inch baking dish provides enough surface area for even cooking.
What to do if the rice is undercooked or the casserole is too dry?
If the rice is undercooked, add a little more water or broth and bake longer. If the casserole is too dry, cover it with foil to trap moisture.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to give this French Onion Beef Rice Casserole a try? I promise it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy, delicious, and oh-so-comforting. I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below with any questions or variations you try. Happy cooking!
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French Onion Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, add ground beef and garlic salt to season. Cook and crumble ground beef until browned and cooked through.
- In a prepared baking dish add rice and ground beef. Pour in soup, broth, and water and stir until combined.
- Cut butter into slices and place on top of the mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 30 minutes more. * see the notes section for a cheesy and crispy topping version.
- Once done fluff with a fork and serve.
