French Onion Rice Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that combines the rich taste of French onion soup with tender, fluffy rice. It’s an easy oven-baked recipe that’s perfect alongside your favorite protein or as a hearty vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain rice (Do not use instant rice as the texture will be overcooked and mushy)
• 10.5 ounces (1 canned) French onion soup (undiluted, I used Campbell’s soup brand, but you can use a generic version)
• 1¼ cup (10 ounces) beef broth
• 8 tablespoons salted butter (sliced into 1 tablespoon pats)
• 1 teaspoon roughly chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. This helps reduce starch and results in fluffier rice.
3. Step 3: In the prepared baking dish, stir together the rinsed rice, French onion soup, and beef broth just until combined.
4. Step 4: Arrange the sliced butter pats evenly on top of the rice to add a rich flavor.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is fully absorbed. (15 minutes uncovered worked well, but ovens vary.)
6. Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
• Make sure to rinse the rice well to prevent it from becoming gummy.
• Use unsalted butter if you want to control the saltiness of the dish more precisely.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

No, instant rice is not recommended because it will become overcooked and mushy during baking. Use long grain rice for the best texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh from the oven, but you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

French Onion Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 145 reviews

French Onion Rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish made by baking long grain rice with rich French onion soup, beef broth, and buttery pats to create a savory, tender, and aromatic rice dish perfect for pairing with meats or enjoying on its own.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain rice (Do not use instant rice as the texture will be overcooked and mushy)
• 10.5 ounces (1 canned) French onion soup (undiluted, Campbell’s soup brand recommended)
• 1¼ cup (10 ounces) beef broth
• 8 tablespoons salted butter (sliced into 1 tablespoon pats)
• 1 teaspoon roughly chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Rinse Rice: Rinse the long grain rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step reduces excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
3. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, stir together the rinsed rice, undiluted French onion soup, and beef broth just until combined, ensuring even distribution.
4. Add Butter: Arrange the sliced butter pats evenly on top of the rice mixture to add richness and enhance flavor as it bakes.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and partially cook.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes uncovered, until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been completely absorbed. (Typically, 15 minutes uncovered works, but some ovens may require 20 minutes.)
7. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside your favorite main dishes.

Notes

• Use long grain rice only; instant rice will become mushy due to overcooking.
• Rinsing the rice is crucial for fluffiness by reducing surface starch.
• Using undiluted French onion soup ensures a rich flavor; do not add extra water.
• Butter pats on top help create a luscious texture and depth of flavor.
• Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven’s accuracy.
• This dish complements beef, chicken, or pork mains very well.

Keywords: French Onion Rice, baked rice, side dish, French onion soup, beef broth, buttery rice