If you’re a fan of French onion soup, then you’re going to love this French Onion Soup Rice. It’s everything you love about the classic soup—deep, savory flavors, buttery richness, and even a cheesy topping—packed into a simple, baked rice dish. I came across this idea on Chef Maniac and knew I had to try it. Now, it’s my go-to side dish for everything from roasted chicken to steak dinners. It’s ridiculously easy to make and delivers big, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
After making this dish multiple times, I can confidently say it’s a keeper. Here’s why:
- All the flavors of French onion soup – The combination of French onion soup, beef broth, and butter gives the rice an incredibly rich and savory taste.
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy – Mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it bake—no stovetop babysitting required!
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing – Serve it as a side with roasted meats, or make it a meal by adding shredded chicken or beef.
- Customizable – Love cheese? Add a layer of melted mozzarella or Swiss. Want some crunch? Top it with crispy fried onions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup crispy fried onions (for topping, optional)
How to Make French Onion Soup Rice
1. Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. This prevents the rice from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Everything Together
- In the baking dish, I stir together the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and melted butter.
- I make sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
3. Bake Covered
- I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful broth.
- No need to stir—just let the oven do its thing!
4. Optional Cheesy Twist
- If I’m in the mood for an extra indulgent dish, I sprinkle mozzarella or Swiss cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
5. Crispy Topping & Serve
- Right before serving, I sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for a little crunch.
- Then, I fluff the rice with a fork and dig in while it’s warm!
My Pro Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup Rice
- Use long-grain rice – Shorter grains can get too sticky, so I always stick with long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati.
- Don’t skip the butter – It makes the dish incredibly rich and flavorful, so I don’t skimp on it!
- Want a full meal? Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced beef before baking for an easy one-dish dinner.
- Make it ahead – This rice stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with a splash of broth or butter to revive the texture.
What to Serve with French Onion Soup Rice
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Roast chicken – The buttery rice soaks up all the juices.
- Grilled steak – A perfect side for a hearty, meaty meal.
- Pork chops – The deep onion flavor complements pork beautifully.
- A fresh green salad – A crisp salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances out the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time to about 55-60 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
A: Absolutely! Simmer the ingredients in a covered saucepan over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
Q: Can I add mushrooms?
A: Yes! Sauté some sliced mushrooms in butter and stir them in before baking for an extra umami boost.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Recipe Collection
This French Onion Soup Rice is one of those dishes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it as a cozy side dish or turning it into a meal with a few add-ins, it’s a guaranteed winner. The buttery, savory, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it impossible to resist.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out! And for more delicious, easy comfort food recipes, be sure to check out Chef Maniac. Happy cooking!
Easy French Onion Soup Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute.
- Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the onion mixture.
- Pour in the beef broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the Gruyère cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
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