How do I properly brown ground beef for French Onion Beef Rice?

To brown ground beef, cook it over medium-high heat without stirring too often until all the pink color disappears. For extra flavor, let some parts develop crispy edges by allowing the meat to sit undisturbed for a few minutes before breaking it up. This adds texture and depth to the dish. Drain excess fat if desired before combining with other ingredients.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice in French Onion Beef Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice requires longer cooking time. Increase the baking time with foil covered by about 15 minutes and be ready to add extra broth—start with an additional 1/4 cup and adjust as needed—to keep the dish moist. Check rice tenderness before finishing uncovered cooking.

Is French Onion Beef Rice suitable for a gluten-free diet?

French Onion Beef Rice can be gluten-free if you choose gluten-free versions of beef consommé and French onion soup mix. Check labels carefully to avoid gluten-containing thickeners or additives. The rice and fresh ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe option when using certified gluten-free products.

What are some tips to make French Onion Beef Rice more flavorful?

Enhance flavor by browning the beef thoroughly to develop a rich crust, using a high-quality beef consommé, and allowing the dish to simmer so the rice absorbs all the savory juices. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end can also brighten the flavor. Avoid overcooking rice to keep the texture balanced.

Can I prepare French Onion Beef Rice in advance and reheat it?

Yes, French Onion Beef Rice reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish’s creamy consistency.

French Onion Beef Rice Casserole Recipe For Busy Weeknights

Name: French Onion Beef Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound lean ground beef; – ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic salt; – 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consommé; – 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup; – ¾ cup water; – 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice; – ¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter sliced on top

Description

🍲 French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of ground beef and rice for a comforting meal.
🧅 This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and serves a crowd.

Ingredients

– 1 pound lean ground beef

– ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic salt

– 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consommé

– 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup

– ¾ cup water

– 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

– ¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter sliced on top

Instructions

1-First, brown the ground beef with the garlic salt in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until it’s no longer pink, then drain the fat to keep things light.

2-Next, in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the uncooked rice with the browned beef, then stir in the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water until everything is evenly combined.

3-Arrange the sliced butter on top of the mixture for that extra richness.

4-Cover the dish with foil and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

5-After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes to get a nice golden brown on top.

6-Finally, take it out of the oven, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it rest a bit before serving to 8 happy folks.

Notes

🧀 Adding shredded cheese on top before the uncovered baking step adds extra creaminess.
🍽️ Use a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a delightful contrast in texture.
🥩 Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: french onion casserole, ground beef casserole, beef and rice bake, easy casserole recipe