Can I use instant or minute rice instead of regular rice?

It’s best not to. Instant or minute rice cooks much faster and doesn’t absorb liquid the same way, which can leave you with mushy rice or uneven texture. Long-grain uncooked white rice gives the casserole the right balance of tender but separate grains.

Why is my rice still crunchy after baking?

This usually means the rice didn’t have enough time or moisture to finish cooking. Ovens vary, and sometimes the casserole just needs another 10 minutes covered to soften fully. Make sure the foil was sealed well so steam stayed trapped during the first bake.

Can I make French onion ground beef and rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole works well for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it a few hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven so it cooks evenly.

Is it normal for the casserole to look soupy before baking?

Yes, that’s exactly what you want to see before it goes into the oven. The rice absorbs most of that liquid as it cooks, which is what gives the finished dish its flavor and soft texture. If it looks too dry before baking, the rice won’t cook properly.

Can I freeze this casserole after it’s baked?

You can freeze it, but the rice may soften a bit once reheated. For best results, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Name: French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 2 (10.5-ounce) cans beef consommé; 2 (10.5-ounce) cans French onion soup; 3/4 cup water; 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked; 3/4 cup butter, sliced

Description

A cozy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole made with pantry staples, baked until the rice is tender and full of savory onion flavor. This is a comforting, no-fuss family dinner that comes together easily in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 (10.5-ounce) cans beef consommé
2 (10.5-ounce) cans French onion soup
3/4 cup water
2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
3/4 cup butter, sliced

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic salt, breaking it up until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
Add the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef to the prepared baking dish.
Pour in the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water, then stir until everything is evenly combined.
Arrange the butter slices evenly over the top of the casserole.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff gently with a fork and serve warm.

Notes

For a cheesy version, add 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of baking.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top during the final 10 minutes.
This casserole can be assembled a few hours ahead, refrigerated, and baked when ready.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 359
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 635 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 13 g
Cholesterol: 59 mg