If you’re looking for a warm, flavorful rice dish that reminds you of cozy Sunday dinners or potlucks with family, this rice dish with French onion soup is the perfect solution. It’s buttery, rich, and full of savory onion flavor—an old-school favorite that’s just as comforting today.
Often called “stick of butter rice” or “oven-baked French onion rice,” this simple recipe uses pantry staples like French onion soup, beef broth, butter, and optionally mushrooms to create a deep, irresistible flavor that pairs well with almost anything. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or preparing a side dish for a holiday gathering, this rice dish is a go-to for busy home cooks who love big flavor with little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Rice Dish with French Onion Soup
- Only a few ingredients – No fancy steps or prep
- Rich, savory flavor – Thanks to the soup, butter, and beef broth
- Hands-off baking – Just mix and bake
- Perfect side dish – Goes with chicken, steak, pork, or veggies
- Great for gatherings – Crowd-pleaser for holidays and potlucks
This is also a dish that’s budget-friendly and accessible—using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. If you’ve ever needed a dependable, comforting side that feels homemade without a lot of effort, this is it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
How to Make Rice Dish with French Onion Soup
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and mushrooms if using.
- Place sliced butter evenly on top of the mixture.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and serve—garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Add-Ins and Variations
- Mushrooms: Add for extra umami (use canned or fresh)
- Cheese: Stir in shredded gruyère or Swiss before serving
- Herbs: Sprinkle in dried thyme or parsley for a fresh twist
- Caramelized onions: For deeper flavor, add 1/4 cup cooked onions
- Worcestershire sauce: A dash before baking adds extra savory depth
Serving Ideas
- As a side with roast chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf
- Alongside a green bean casserole or steamed veggies
- In a weeknight meal with a rotisserie chicken
- With a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a balanced meal
This dish is also great for potlucks or freezer-friendly batch cooking. Double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 dish to feed a crowd, or portion leftovers into containers for quick lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use minute rice or brown rice?
Stick with long-grain white rice for the best texture and flavor. Brown rice needs a longer cook time and may alter the consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Bake when ready. You can also reheat leftovers easily in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The French onion soup still delivers plenty of savory flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes—cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.
What protein goes best with this rice?
This dish pairs especially well with roasted or grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. It’s also wonderful next to baked tofu or a hearty veggie loaf for a vegetarian dinner.
Community Corner 🍚🧅✨
This rice dish brings back the kind of memories that live in casserole dishes and old recipe cards. Did your mom or grandma make a version of this? Did you add mushrooms or cheese? Share your story and help us keep these cozy recipes alive. At TastyRecipeClub, we believe every bite tells a story—and we’d love to hear yours.
