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French Onion Butter Rice Casserole

A spoonful of creamy french onion butter rice being lifted from a white baking dish, topped with melted cheese and crispy onions.

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Make this French Onion Butter Rice for a rich, savory side dish that tastes like classic French onion soup in rice form. It is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed onion soup (or 1 packet dry onion soup mix)
  • 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and soft. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup (or dry mix), beef broth, and water. Stir well to mix the liquids and the rice evenly.
  4. Fold the caramelized onions into the rice mixture.
  5. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. If using cheese, sprinkle the Gruyère evenly over the top.
  9. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute the water with an equal amount of dry red wine or use all beef broth instead of mixing with water.
  • If you prefer a stovetop method, you can cook this in a large Dutch oven, simmering covered on low heat for 20 minutes after bringing it to a boil, then stirring in the cheese and letting it rest off the heat.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled steak.

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