French Onion Butter Rice
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Preparation Time: 5–10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
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Difficulty: Easy
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Servings: 6
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Dish Type: Side Dish
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Cuisine Style: American Comfort Food
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Dietary Info: Vegetarian-option available (see below)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, not instant)
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1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
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1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth (or use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
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1 small onion, finely diced (for extra onion flavor)
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½ cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
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½ cup shredded Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella cheese (for topping)
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2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic)
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Aluminum foil
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Medium mixing bowl (optional if mixing first)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Oven mitts
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher heat helps cook the rice evenly and gives it that irresistible, buttery top.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In your baking dish, add:
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1 cup uncooked white rice
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1 can French onion soup
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1 can beef broth (or vegetable broth for a meatless version)
Stir everything together right in the dish until combined. There’s no need to cook anything on the stovetop—this recipe is truly one-dish magic.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Cut the ½ cup (1 stick) of butter into thin pats and place them evenly across the top of the rice mixture. The butter will melt down into the rice as it bakes, creating that luxurious texture and flavor.
Optional: If you’re adding diced onions or mushrooms, stir them in before adding the butter on top.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy and tender.
If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking, then return it to the oven uncovered.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once done, let the rice sit for 5 minutes to settle and absorb any remaining liquid. Fluff with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
French Onion Butter Rice is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside:
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Grilled or roasted chicken
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Beef tips or pot roast
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Pork chops or pork tenderloin
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Pan-seared tofu or tempeh (vegetarian)
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Steamed vegetables for a simple balanced meal
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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To Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble this dish in advance (before baking), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving — Approx. 1/6 of dish)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
Note: Values vary based on brand of soup, broth, and optional ingredients.