Description
This French Onion Soup Rice is a comforting and flavorful baked rice side dish that combines caramelized onions, savory French onion soup, and tender rice for a deliciously easy meal or accompaniment. Topped with melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a perfect fusion of classic French onion soup flavors in a hearty, cheesy rice casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a medium skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are deeply caramelized, developing a rich, sweet flavor and golden-brown color.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rice casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 2-quart baking dish, mix together the caramelized onions, rice, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff and Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork. If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère evenly on top.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully over the rice.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, colorful touch to the dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with mushroom broth and use a vegetarian French onion soup.
- For a heartier meal, stir in cooked ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking.
- If Swiss or Gruyère cheese is not available, a mild mozzarella or fontina can be a good alternative for melting.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly to ensure the rice cooks evenly and stays moist.
