French Onion Rice Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that combines the rich taste of caramelized onions with tender, perfectly cooked rice. This easy recipe captures the essence of classic French onion soup in a simple baked dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consommé
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can French onion soup
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Warm the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, then cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the onions cook, add the rice, beef consommé, French onion soup, water, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Once the onions are caramelized, spread them evenly over the top of the rice mixture.
4. Step 4: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil, stir the rice gently, and continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Step 6: Let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use low-sodium beef consommé and French onion soup if you want to control the salt level more precisely.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef consommé and onion soup with vegetable broth and a savory onion broth.
• Add a handful of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top before removing the foil for a cheesy twist.
• Stir in cooked mushrooms or fresh herbs like rosemary for extra layers of flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover French Onion Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture. Avoid reheating more than once for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice has a longer cooking time and different liquid absorption, so this recipe may require more liquid and a longer bake time. It’s best to stick with long-grain white rice for perfect results.

Is French Onion Rice gluten-free?

This recipe is generally gluten-free if you use gluten-free beef consommé and French onion soup. Always check the labels to be sure, as some brands may contain gluten.

French Onion Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

French Onion Rice is a flavorful baked rice dish that combines caramelized onions with beef consommé and French onion soup for a rich, savory meal. This comforting side or main dish uses classic French onion flavors to elevate simple rice, making it perfect for hearty dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Onion Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Rice Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consommé
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can French onion soup
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: Warm the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are very soft, deeply golden, and caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the rice mixture: While the onions caramelize, add the rice, beef consommé, French onion soup, water, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Add caramelized onions: Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, spread them evenly over the top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
4. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 30 minutes. This step allows the rice to begin absorbing the flavorful liquids gradually.
5. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil, stir the rice gently to combine, then continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
6. Rest and serve: Let the rice stand for 5 minutes to set. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy your warm and savory French Onion Rice!

Notes

• Caramelizing onions properly is key to developing the deep, sweet flavor in this dish. Take your time to cook them gently without rushing.
• If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable broth and mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Gruyère cheese over the rice in the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the rice may firm up, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
• This recipe pairs excellently with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Keywords: French Onion Rice, caramelized onion rice, baked rice dish, savory rice recipe, French onion soup recipe, comfort food