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The Best French Onion Butter Rice: Easy Comfort Food Side Dish

Close-up of a bowl of french onion butter rice topped with caramelized onions and fresh parsley.

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Make this rich, savory French Onion Butter Rice casserole. It combines caramelized onions, beef broth, and plenty of butter for a flavorful side that pairs well with steak or chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French Onion Soup
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and 1/4 cup of the butter. Melt the butter.
  3. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and soft. This step builds the flavor, so take your time.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the French Onion Soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
  5. Stir the uncooked rice into the soup and broth mixture until combined.
  6. Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup of butter, cut into small pieces.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the foil during the first 40 minutes.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven. Remove the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork. If using, sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the top.
  9. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 5 more minutes, just until the cheese melts.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving your flavorful rice.

Notes

  • For an extra savory boost, use high-quality beef broth. This is key for that classic French onion flavor.
  • If you skip the cheese topping, this recipe becomes a fantastic vegan-friendly side if you substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.
  • If you want a quicker onion flavor, you can use 1/2 cup of French Fried Onions mixed in during the last 10 minutes of baking instead of caramelizing fresh onions.

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