French Onion Soup Rice

This French Onion Soup Rice transforms an ordinary side dish into something extraordinarily comforting and flavorful. By using canned French onion soup and beef broth, you create a rice dish that captures all the rich, savory goodness of classic French onion soup with minimal effort.

This dish has become my secret weapon for dinner parties. The first time I served it, my guests couldn't believe it wasn't made from scratch with hours of caramelizing onions. Now it's requested at nearly every gathering I host.

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice: Provides the perfect texture and won't become mushy during baking
• Campbells French Onion Soup: Offers authentic flavor without hours of work look for the condensed version for best results
• Beef broth: Enhances the meaty richness use low sodium if watching salt intake
• Butter: Creates an irresistible richness and helps the rice develop a golden crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Pour the uncooked rice into an 8×8 baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Make sure your dish has high enough sides to prevent any overflow during baking.

Combine the Liquids:

Open the cans of French onion soup and beef broth, pouring both directly over the rice. Gently stir to ensure all rice grains are submerged in the liquid. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

Add Butter Finish:

Cut the butter into thin slices or small cubes and distribute them evenly across the top of the rice mixture. The butter will melt during baking, creating a rich flavor and helping the top develop a delicious golden finish.

Initial Covered Bake:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure to seal the edges well. Place in your preheated 425°F oven for exactly 25 minutes. The foil traps steam, helping the rice cook properly in the initial phase.

Finish Uncovered:

Remove the foil carefully as hot steam will escape. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 20-25 minutes. Watch for the liquid to be absorbed and the top to become golden brown. The edges may develop a slight crust which adds wonderful texture.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the remaining moisture distribute evenly through the rice for perfect texture.

Pin it

The butter is truly the secret ingredient here. I once tried to make a lighter version with less butter and while still good, it lacked that incredible richness that makes this dish so craveable. The full amount creates a luxurious mouthfeel that transforms simple ingredients into something restaurant worthy.

Make It A Complete Meal

This rice dish pairs beautifully with nearly any protein but works especially well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or simple baked pork chops. The savory onion flavor complements meat without overpowering it, making it an ideal foundation for countless meals.

Storage And Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making this excellent for meal prep. To reheat, add a small splash of water or broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes.

Flavor Variations

While perfect as written, this adaptable recipe welcomes customization. Consider adding 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms before baking for an earthier flavor. Stirring in 1/4 cup of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking creates a French onion soup rice that truly mimics the classic dish. For a complete meal, add 2 cups of diced cooked chicken before the final baking stage.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to increase the cooking time by approximately 15-20 minutes and may need to add an additional 1/4 cup of broth to account for the longer cooking time and liquid absorption.

→ What can I serve with French onion soup rice?

This rice pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops. For a complete meal, add a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a side salad with a light vinaigrette.

→ Can I add cheese to this dish?

Absolutely! For a more authentic French onion soup experience, try adding 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delicious cheesy crust.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold. It also reheats well in the microwave or oven.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting vegetable broth for the beef broth and using vegetarian French onion soup. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Can I add vegetables to this rice dish?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots make excellent additions. Add pre-cooked vegetables during the last 15 minutes of baking to maintain their texture and flavor.