French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and garlic salt. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step helps develop a deeper flavor base for the casserole.
Once cooked, drain any excess grease to avoid an oily texture in your casserole.

In the prepared baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Add the cooked ground beef on top of the rice, distributing it evenly.
Pour in the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Arrange the sliced butter evenly across the top of the mixture. As the casserole bakes, the butter will melt into the rice, infusing it with rich flavor and helping achieve that signature golden top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the rice is tender. The edges should bubble gently, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Fluff the casserole gently with a fork before serving. Top with grated cheese if desired, and let it melt slightly for an indulgent touch.

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