Simple, hearty, and wildly comforting, this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of dinner you throw together when you don’t want to think, but still want something really good. It’s got buttery rice, savory beef, rich onion flavor, and practically zero effort. This one is a no-brainer weeknight win.

Think of this as your no-fuss answer to beef and rice night. Brown the beef, mix it with rice and broth, top with butter, and let your oven do the work. The result? Cozy, flavorful casserole magic that practically cooks itself.

Want to turn this into a full meal? Stir in frozen veggies, top with melty cheese, or serve with a crisp green salad.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Dump-and-bake simplicity: No need to cook the rice separately, everything goes into one dish and bakes together.
• Big flavor from pantry staples: French onion soup + beef consomme = bold, beefy flavor with zero effort.
• Ultra comforting: Buttery, tender rice with savory beef hits every comfort food note.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat like a dream.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Ground beef: 1 pound of lean or regular ground beef, just be sure to drain the fat.
• Long-grain white rice: Uncooked! This recipe is built to cook the rice in the oven as it bakes.
• French onion soup: Adds depth, richness, and that savory onion flavor.
• Beef consomme: More intense than regular beef broth.
  Unsalted butter: Sliced into pats and placed on top so it melts into the rice as it bakes.
• Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a touch of freshness at the end.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Second, brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain the grease.

Third, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, French onion soup, and beef consomme. Stir to combine.

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Fourth, evenly dot the top with slices of butter.

Fifth, cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Sixth, let it rest for 5 minutes before uncovering. Garnish with parsley if using and serve warm.

Variations and Substitutions

• No beef? You can substitute with beef broth, though it won’t be quite as rich. Add a splash of Worcestershire for depth.
• Use ground turkey or chicken: Totally works, but flavor will be lighter.
• Want more texture? Stir in mushrooms, green beans, or frozen peas before baking.
• Add cheese on top: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the casserole during the last 10 minutes for a melty finish.

FAQ

1. Can I use brown rice instead?
   Not recommended for this version, it takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. Stick to long-grain white rice for best results.
2. Do I have to brown the beef first?
   Yes! It ensures the beef is fully cooked and helps develop flavor.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   You can prep the ingredients and refrigerate (uncooked), then bake when ready. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
4. Can I freeze it?
   Yes, once it’s fully baked and cooled, portion and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Top Tips for Success

• Cover tightly with foil: This traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly.
• Let it rest before uncovering: It gives the rice time to finish absorbing the liquid.
• Use good-quality beef consomme: It’s the key to that rich, beefy flavor.
• Add a quick salad or veggie on the side: It balances the richness of the dish.

Troubleshooting

• My rice didn’t cook through.
  Make sure the dish was tightly covered with foil and that your oven is fully preheated. Try baking an extra 10 minutes if needed.
• It’s too salty.
  French onion soup and beef consomme can be salty, use low-sodium versions if you’re sensitive to salt, or balance it out with extra rice next time.
• It came out too greasy.
  Drain your beef well, and if needed, reduce the butter by a tablespoon or two.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Simple, hearty, and wildly comforting, this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of dinner you throw together when you don’t want to think, but still want something really good. It’s got buttery rice, savory beef, rich onion flavor, and practically zero effort. This one is a no-brainer weeknight win.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) French onion soup
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) beef consomme
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
3. In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, browned beef, French onion soup, and beef consomme. Stir until well mixed.
4. Place butter slices evenly over the top of the mixture.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Let sit for 5 minutes before uncovering. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 186Total Fat: 24gCholesterol: 286mgCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 18g