Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of hearty, budget-friendly dish that becomes a staple in any household. It’s built around pantry essentials like rice, canned soup, and ground beef—making it an easy option for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without much effort. The combination of savory French onion soup and beef consommé infuses the rice and beef with deep, beefy flavor while keeping everything moist and tender as it bakes. Butter adds richness, while the beef provides protein and that familiar, comforting taste everyone loves. While it’s called “cheesy,” this version gets its creamy, indulgent quality not from melted cheese, but from the luscious, buttery texture and concentrated flavors that develop as the casserole bakes. The rice soaks up the broth and fat, resulting in a flavorful, one-dish meal with almost no cleanup. You can easily scale this recipe up for feeding a crowd or make it ahead to reheat throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a potluck favorite, or a freezer-friendly meal, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s simple, reliable, and deeply comforting—just the way classic casseroles should be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Ingredients

Only six ingredients make up the entire dish—no complicated steps or long prep times.

2. Full of Flavor

The French onion soup and beef consommé add rich, savory depth with minimal effort.

3. One-Pan Convenience

Everything bakes together in a single dish, saving time on cleanup and prep.

4. Feeds a Crowd

This casserole is generous in portion and easily doubled for gatherings or large families.

5. Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals

It stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prepping or leftovers.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Long-grain white rice
French onion soup

Beef consomme
Unsalted butter
Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Variations

Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a classic cheesy finish. Mix in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and texture. Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef. For extra flavor, season the beef with garlic powder, black pepper, or Worcestershire sauce before adding it to the dish. You can also top the casserole with fried onions or breadcrumbs for added crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3

Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

Layer the cooked ground beef over the rice.

Step 5

Pour the French onion soup and beef consommé over the beef and rice, ensuring everything is evenly covered.

Step 6

Place pats of butter evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 7

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 8

Remove from oven, fluff gently with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use long-grain rice for the best texture; short-grain may become too soft.
Don’t skip covering the dish with foil—it helps trap steam for perfectly cooked rice.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Stirring halfway through baking can help distribute moisture, but it’s not necessary.
Use a deep baking dish to prevent bubbling over in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this casserole as a complete meal on its own or alongside a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. It also pairs well with dinner rolls or garlic bread. For a homestyle meal, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze fully cooked casserole portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave in 1–2 minute intervals or bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20–25 minutes, until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant rice?

No, instant rice will overcook and become mushy in this recipe. Stick to uncooked long-grain rice.

2. Do I need to cook the rice first?

No, the rice cooks in the oven as it absorbs the soups and broth.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Absolutely. Add shredded cheese on top during the final 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.

5. What’s the difference between French onion soup and beef consommé?

French onion soup includes onions and seasoning, while beef consommé is a clear, concentrated broth. Both add essential flavor.

6. Can I substitute the soups?

Yes, you can use beef broth or mushroom soup if necessary, but flavor may vary.

7. What kind of ground beef should I use?

Use 85–90% lean ground beef for best balance between flavor and fat.

8. How do I know when the rice is done?

It should be tender and all the liquid should be absorbed—check around the 60-minute mark.

9. Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use certified gluten-free versions of the canned soups.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, no-fuss recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create something truly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a freezer-friendly meal, or something to feed a hungry crowd, this casserole delivers rich flavor with minimal prep. With its savory broth-infused rice, tender ground beef, and buttery finish, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again for its ease, taste, and versatility.