Name: French Onion Butter Rice – The Cozy Dish I’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup (or homemade equivalent); 1 cup beef broth or stock; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (optional); 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)

French Onion Butter Rice is a warm, buttery, savory side dish that brings all the comforting flavors of French onion soup into a simple baked rice casserole. With caramelized-style onions, beef broth, and plenty of butter, this dish bakes up soft, rich, and deeply flavorful. It’s the perfect cozy addition to any meal—and honestly, I find myself making it again and again.

French Onion Butter Rice – The Cozy Dish I’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy but feels like something special. It only takes a handful of pantry ingredients, and the oven does most of the work. The butter and beef broth soak into the rice, giving it a silky texture and a deep, rich flavor. It goes with everything—from roasted meats to grilled chicken—or stands on its own as a comforting bowl of goodness.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Long grain white rice (uncooked)
Unsalted butter
French onion soup (canned or homemade)
Beef broth or stock
Onion, finely chopped (optional, for extra onion flavor)
Garlic powder (optional)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13 baking dish, I combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and seasonings. If I’m using chopped onions or garlic powder, I stir them in now.
I slice the butter into thin pats and spread them evenly over the top of the rice mixture—no need to stir.
I cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30–35 minutes.
After that, I remove the foil, give it a gentle stir, and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Once done, I let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and sprinkling fresh herbs on top if I’m using them.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 5–10 minutes to prep and 50–60 minutes to bake, so the total time is just about 1 hour from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I mix in sautéed mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor or stir in shredded rotisserie chicken to turn it into a full meal. For a cheesier version, I add a sprinkle of Gruyère or mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. I’ve even made it with wild rice blend instead of white rice—just adjusting the broth and cooking time accordingly.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or water and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. It also freezes well—just thaw and reheat gently to bring it back to its soft, buttery texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, I can, but I adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice usually takes longer and needs a bit more broth to fully soften.

Is canned French onion soup okay to use?

Absolutely. It makes the recipe super convenient, but I can also use homemade if I have extra time or want to control the salt and flavor more closely.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, I often prepare the dish earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake. I just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

Does this work with other grains?

It can, though the texture and cook time will change. I’ve had success using quinoa or wild rice blend, but I always adjust the liquid and check for doneness.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Definitely. I like adding shredded chicken, browned ground beef, or leftover steak slices. I stir them in before baking or halfway through the cooking process.

Conclusion

French Onion Butter Rice is one of those comforting, crave-worthy dishes that always hits the spot. It’s simple, cozy, and packed with flavor from the buttery onions and rich broth. Whether I’m making it as a quick side dish or turning it into a main with a few additions, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to—again and again.