French Onion Soup Rice: A Savory Side Dish with Deep Comfort Flavors

If you love the rich, caramelized depth of classic French onion soup, then you’re going to fall in love with French Onion Soup Rice. This dish takes all the best parts of that beloved soup — buttery onions, beefy broth, savory herbs — and turns them into a flavor-packed rice side dish that’s perfect for any meal.

It’s rustic. It’s indulgent. And best of all, it’s easy — just a few pantry staples, one dish, and very little prep time.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or bring something unique to a holiday table, this recipe has comfort and elegance in every spoonful.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich, umami flavor in every bite
✔️ Minimal ingredients, maximum comfort
✔️ Great alternative to plain rice or potatoes
✔️ Perfect with chicken, steak, pork, or roast veggies
✔️ One pan = easy cleanup

It’s the ideal side dish that feels cozy and gourmet, without the hassle of making traditional French onion soup.

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What Is French Onion Soup Rice?

French Onion Soup Rice is a dish that fuses the deep caramelized onion flavor of French onion soup with fluffy, tender rice. It typically uses beef broth, sautéed onions, and butter to infuse rice with rich, savory goodness.

This version is baked, which means no stovetop babysitting and consistently perfect texture. The rice soaks up all the oniony broth, and what comes out is fluffy, buttery, and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how much flavor comes from just a few ingredients:

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (Campbell’s is a classic)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé or beef broth
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional, for extra onion flavor)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is oven-baked and couldn’t be simpler.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (an 8×8 works great).

2. Mix It All Together

In the baking dish, combine:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can French onion soup
• 1 can beef consommé
• Sliced onions (if using)

Stir to combine everything evenly.

3. Add the Butter

Slice the butter into pats and distribute evenly on top of the rice mixture. You don’t need to stir it in — it’ll melt into the dish as it bakes.

4. Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

5. Fluff and Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, season to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley or grated cheese if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Use long grain white rice – Short grain or brown rice requires different cooking times and ratios.
• French onion soup + beef consommé = max flavor. You can sub both with 2 cups of rich beef broth in a pinch, but the canned combo is ideal.
• Add more onions – Want even more onion flavor? Sauté thinly sliced onions in butter before mixing them in.
• Make it cheesy – Sprinkle Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone on top and broil briefly for a French onion soup twist.

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What to Serve With French Onion Soup Rice

This dish is so flavorful, it pairs beautifully with simple proteins and veggies. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Grilled or roasted chicken
• Beef tenderloin or steak
• Pork chops or pork tenderloin
• Seared mushrooms or roasted veggies
• Rotisserie chicken for an easy dinner

For a bistro-style dinner, serve it with a green salad and crusty French bread.

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Storage and Reheating

French Onion Soup Rice stores well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in single portions for up to 1 month
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water, or heat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until warmed through

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Variations & Add-Ins

• Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring out even more umami flavor.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a bit of sour cream after baking for a rich twist.
• Top with crispy onions: For texture and even more oniony flavor, add fried onions on top before serving.
• Use brown rice: Increase liquid and cooking time (closer to 60–70 minutes total).
• Make it a meal: Stir in cooked chicken or beef before baking to turn it into a casserole.

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FAQ

❓Can I make it on the stovetop?

Yes — use the same liquid ratios but simmer on low, covered, until rice is tender (about 18–20 minutes). Stir occasionally and add extra broth as needed.

❓Is this gluten-free?

Most canned soups contain gluten, so check your labels. You can use gluten-free French onion soup and broth.

❓What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Long grain white rice works best for light, fluffy texture. Avoid instant rice.

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Why This Recipe Works

French Onion Soup Rice hits all the right notes: deep, savory flavor, a touch of richness, and simple pantry ingredients. It’s comforting and elegant, perfect for everyday dinners or special gatherings.

It’s also endlessly adaptable, reheats beautifully, and turns even basic proteins into restaurant-worthy meals.

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