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French Onion Soup Rice Recipe

If you love the cozy, caramelized flavors of French onion soup but want something a little different and simpler to whip up, you’ll absolutely adore this French Onion Soup Rice Recipe. It’s a game-changer in my kitchen, combining that rich, savory soup goodness with fluffy, buttery rice—perfect for weeknights or when you want comfort food without all the fuss of traditional soup making. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to easy meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortlessly Delicious: Just a few pantry staples come together for a rich, comforting dish without all the fuss.
  • Perfectly Tender Rice: Baking the rice with broth and soup steeps it in flavor while keeping it fluffy.
  • Kid and Crowd-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, and it always disappears fast at gatherings.
  • Great for Beginners: No stovetop stirring required, making it foolproof if you’re new to cooking rice dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of classic ingredients that harmonize perfectly—rich beef broth, savory onion soup, butter for that luscious finish, and rice that soaks it all up. Here’s what to look out for when shopping:

  • Long Grain Rice: Use uncooked long grain rice for that ideal fluffy texture; avoid instant rice here.
  • Beef Broth: A good-quality canned beef broth adds depth but pick something low sodium if you want control over saltiness.
  • French Onion Soup: The canned kind is perfect — it’s the star of the dish and infuses the rice with that classic onion-y, sweet-savory flavor.
  • Butter: Cold and sliced into pats, butter distributes evenly for that rich, creamy finish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end brightens the whole dish and adds a pop of color.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this French Onion Soup Rice Recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or what flavor mood I’m in—you should totally experiment too! It’s sturdy base lets you add your personal spin without losing that comforting vibe.

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef broth for mushroom or vegetable broth, and use a vegetarian-friendly onion soup mix—my vegetarian friends were impressed with this swap!
  • Cheesy Boost: Mix in shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese just before baking for a melty, golden top layer that kids absolutely love.
  • Herb Twist: Add thyme or rosemary to the broth before baking for an earthy depth that feels extra comforting on chilly days.
  • Rice Swap: Try brown rice for a nuttier flavor and slightly chewier texture—just increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and add a touch more liquid.

How to Make French Onion Soup Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. I use an 8×8 inch baking dish because it’s the perfect size to evenly cook the rice and liquids without drying out. You want the rice to have enough room to absorb the flavors completely and cook evenly.

Step 2: Layer Your Ingredients

Spread the uncooked long grain rice evenly in the pan. Pour the canned beef broth over the rice, then add the can of French onion soup on top. It looks simple, but here’s what happens — the rice soaks up all that onion-y, savory goodness while baking. Don’t be tempted to stir it; just layer gently to keep that perfect texture.

Step 3: Butter It Up and Cover

Slice the stick of cold butter into small pats and spread them evenly over the rice and soup mixture. This butter melts while baking, creating a rich, luscious finish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture so your rice cooks perfectly tender.

Step 4: Bake and Uncover

Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes uncovered. This second round lets the top get a little caramelized and golden, which I just love. Keep an eye on the edges to avoid burning—if it browns too fast, loosely cover again.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. The pop of green is more than just pretty—it adds a refreshing lift to each bite. Serve it warm and watch it disappear fast!

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Pro Tips for Making French Onion Soup Rice Recipe

  • Even Layering Matters: I learned that spreading rice and liquids evenly prevents soggy or undercooked spots.
  • Use Cold Butter: Adding cold butter in pats helps it melt slowly and season the dish gradually.
  • Don’t Skip the Uncovered Bake: It creates a deliciously browned top—something I always look forward to.
  • Watch Your Broth’s Salt: Depending on the broth brand, you might want to choose low sodium since the onion soup and butter add their own saltiness.

How to Serve French Onion Soup Rice Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a scoop of cooked rice lifted by a metal spoon. The rice is golden on top with crispy browned edges and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The grains of rice are soft but with a slightly crunchy top layer. The rice is in a white pot filled with more rice underneath, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple here with fresh parsley—it brightens the dish and neatens up the plate visually. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a little shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top right before serving to make it extra indulgent. If you’re feeling fancy, chopped chives work wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

Pairing this with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables balances out the richness beautifully. Since it’s so filling, light sides are best. Garlic bread or a simple baguette to soak up any leftover sauce is always a hit with my family.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this rice in small ramekins topped with a broiled cheese crust, mimicking classic French onion soup. It feels elevated but is just as easy to make. You could also layer it in a casserole with caramelized onions between for presentation impact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld—just make sure to save yourself some!

Freezing

Freezing works well too. After it cools completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw it, texture might be a little softer but still delicious, especially mixed with a fresh sprinkle of parsley or cheese on top.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Doing this prevents the rice from drying out and helps revive that cozy, fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

  1. Can I use instant or quick-cooking rice for this French Onion Soup Rice Recipe?

    Instant or quick-cooking rice isn’t ideal here because it cooks faster and can become mushy when baked this long. Using uncooked long grain rice ensures the right fluffy texture and perfect absorption of the broth and onion soup flavors.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! Simply swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor and richness but still remain delicious.

  3. Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?

    You sure can! Adding mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even some chopped bell peppers before baking can enhance texture and nutrition. Just consider that it might change cooking time slightly if you add a lot of extra moisture.

  4. How do I prevent the rice from drying out?

    Covering with foil for most of the baking time is key. It traps steam and moisture, allowing the rice to cook perfectly. Also, make sure to pour the broth and soup evenly; uneven liquid distribution can cause dry spots.

  5. Can I scale this up for a bigger crowd?

    Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, adjusting the cooking time slightly if needed. Watch for doneness towards the end since larger volumes can take a bit longer to bake through.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup Rice Recipe has quickly become a comfort food staple in my house because it’s nurturing, flavorful, and downright easy. I love how it feels indulgent but requires minimal hands-on time—perfect when you want delicious without stress. I hope you give it a go and that it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too, just like it did in mine. Happy cooking!

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French Onion Soup Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Description

French Onion Soup Rice is a comforting and savory casserole combining long grain rice with rich beef broth and French onion soup, baked to perfection with butter and garnished with fresh parsley. This easy-to-make dish infuses the flavors of classic French onion soup into tender, fluffy rice, making a perfect side or main dish.


Ingredients

Rice and Broth

  • 1 1/4 cup Long Grain Rice, uncooked
  • 14.5 oz can of Beef Broth
  • 10.5 oz can of French Onion Soup

Butter and Garnish

  • 1 stick of Butter, cold
  • Fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F to prepare for baking the rice mixture evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Prepare Rice Base: In an 8×8 inch baking pan, spread the uncooked long grain rice evenly to create a uniform layer for cooking.
  3. Add Broth and Soup: Pour the entire can of beef broth over the rice, then add the French onion soup on top, spreading it evenly to infuse the flavors throughout the rice.
  4. Layer Butter: Slice the cold stick of butter into pats and distribute them evenly over the rice, broth, and soup mixture to add richness and help with baking.
  5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with tin foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the rice to begin absorbing the liquids.
  6. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, return the dish to the oven, and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes to finish cooking and lightly brown the top.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the rice to add a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil during the first baking phase to trap steam and cook the rice properly.
  • Using cold butter helps to create small pockets of richness as it melts during baking.
  • This dish pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables as a complete meal.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
  • Fresh parsley can be replaced with thyme or chives based on preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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