French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe

If you’ve ever wished your French onion soup could transform into a cozy, comforting casserole that’s easy to make and so satisfying, you’re in for a treat with this French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—rich, buttery, and packed with that classic onion soup flavor, but with the heartiness of tender rice baked right in. It’s one of those recipes that quickly became a family favorite the first time I made it, and I can’t wait to share all the tips I’ve learned so you can make it effortlessly in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Simple: Only a handful of ingredients come together in one dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Comfort Food Magic: That rich French onion soup flavor infused into buttery baked rice is downright addictive.
  • Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
  • Versatile: It pairs beautifully with so many mains or even shines on its own as a cozy vegetarian option if you swap the broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients work together like a charm to create a dish that tastes much more complex than it really is. The key is using good quality beef broth and a classic French onion soup to get that deep, caramelized onion flavor everyone loves.

Flat lay of long grain rice in a small white ceramic bowl, rich golden butter sliced into thin pats arranged neatly on a simple white plate, two small white bowls containing deep brown beef broth and translucent caramel-colored French onion soup, all placed with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - French Onion Soup Rice Bake, French Onion Soup casserole, onion soup rice bake, easy French onion bake, comforting onion rice dish
  • Long grain rice: I recommend using regular long grain rice, not instant, so the texture comes out perfectly tender and fluffy after baking.
  • Campbell’s French Onion Soup: This is a classic pantry staple that adds authentic flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade if you have it.
  • Beef broth: Using beef broth instead of water amplifies that meaty, savory note in the dish. Low sodium works best so you can control saltiness.
  • Butter: Slicing the butter and letting it melt on top during baking creates a luscious richness and helps the rice cook up beautifully.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak the French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe to suit what you have on hand or your family’s tastes. Don’t be afraid to play around and make this your own cozy comfort classic.

  • Vegetarian: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth to keep all that rich flavor but make it meat-free—I’ve done this, and you’d never guess.
  • Cheesy Twist: After baking, sprinkle with Gruyère or mozzarella and pop under the broiler for a few minutes to get a bubbly golden topping that’s pure indulgence.
  • Herb Boost: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the rice before baking adds a lovely fragrant note that complements the onions beautifully.
  • Extra Onions: If you’re a big onion fan like me, caramelize a couple of extra onions on the stove and fold them into the rice mix before baking for even more depth.

How to Make French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by grabbing an 8×8 baking dish and mixing together the long grain rice, Campbell’s French Onion Soup, and beef broth. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed so every bite gets that luscious soup flavor. This mix is the heart of the dish, and trust me—no stirring after baking. Just get it nicely combined and let the oven do its magic.

Step 2: Add Butter on Top

Slice your butter into thin pats and arrange them across the rice mixture. This step might seem small, but the melting butter soaks through during baking and adds that irresistible creaminess and richness. I learned this trick after trying melted butter poured in and honestly, the slices give a better melt and texture.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover your baking dish with tin foil and pop it into a preheated 425°F oven. Bake covered for about 25 minutes—this steams the rice, letting it soak up all that liquid and flavor fully. Peek under the foil carefully to check moisture levels but resist stirring.

Step 4: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. The uncovered bake time helps the rice finish cooking and develop a slight golden crust on top (which I love). If you see the rice is drying too fast, you can tent foil loosely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your French Onion Soup Rice Bake is bubbling and perfectly cooked, serve it straight from the dish. It’s comforting, flavorful, and makes for a wonderful side or even a stand-alone meal. I usually let it cool just a few minutes to firm up and avoid burning tongues.

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Pro Tips for Making French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe

  • Use Quality Broth: I discovered early on that good beef broth makes a huge difference in depth of flavor, so avoid box broths if possible.
  • Don’t Skip the Butter Slices: Spreading sliced butter on top helps the top layer stay moist and gives the rice a subtle richness that melted butter alone can’t match.
  • Watch the Liquid: If you’re using homemade soup with low liquid, add a splash of extra broth to prevent dryness.
  • Avoid Stirring During Bake: Stirring breaks up the rice and changes texture, so mix well before baking and then let the oven do the rest.

How to Serve French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe

French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a bit of brightness to balance the richness. Some freshly cracked black pepper on top also adds a nice bite. When I go cheesy, a handful of shredded Gruyère melted over the top is unbeatable.

Side Dishes

This French Onion Soup Rice Bake pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. When I serve it as a side, I often add some roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried baking this recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets—guests love the personal touch! You can also top each portion with caramelized onions or a toasted baguette slice for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice can absorb more liquid over time, so before reheating I usually add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and keep it creamy.

Freezing

Freezing works well, too! I portion the bake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, I recommend overnight in the fridge for even reheating later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a bit of broth mixed in to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through and creamy. I avoid high heat so the rice doesn’t get tough.

FAQs

  1. Can I use instant rice in this French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe?

    I don’t recommend instant rice because it cooks much faster and won’t absorb the liquid properly during the bake, which can lead to a mushy or uneven texture. Stick with long grain rice for the best results.

  2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will still be rich if you use quality broth and soup.

  3. Is it okay to use homemade French onion soup?

    Yes, homemade French onion soup works beautifully here. Just keep in mind that if your soup is thicker or less salty than canned, you might want to adjust the broth amount or seasoning accordingly.

  4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

    You can assemble it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge, then bake right before serving. Just make sure to add a little extra broth if the rice has soaked up too much.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe has quickly become a comforting go-to in my rotation. It’s straightforward, nostalgic, and warms you right up from the inside out—perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want that cozy, homemade feel without a ton of effort. I honestly love sharing this with friends because once you try it, you’ll see how special this simple dish really is. Give it a go and enjoy the comfort of French onion soup in a whole new, delicious way!

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French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe

French Onion Soup Rice Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A comforting and flavorful French Onion Soup Rice casserole that combines the rich taste of French onion soup and beef broth with tender long grain rice, baked to perfection with sliced butter for a creamy, savory dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect as a hearty side or main.


Ingredients

Scale

Rice Mixture

  • 1 cup long grain rice (not Instant)
  • 10 oz Campbell’s French Onion Soup
  • 10 oz beef broth

Butter

  • ½ cup butter, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice Mixture: In an 8×8 baking dish, combine the long grain rice, Campbell’s French Onion Soup, and beef broth, stirring gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Butter Slices: Arrange the sliced butter evenly on top of the rice mixture. The butter will melt during baking to add richness and flavor to the dish.
  3. Cover and Bake Initially: Cover the baking dish tightly with tin foil to trap steam and moisture, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 25 minutes to start cooking the rice.
  4. Uncover and Continue Baking: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the tin foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid is fully absorbed.
  5. Serve: Once cooked through, remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve this delicious French Onion Soup Rice warm as a comforting side or main dish.

Notes

  • Ensure to use long grain rice that is not instant for best results and proper texture.
  • Covering the dish initially helps trap steam to cook the rice evenly and prevent drying out.
  • Butter slices on top add both flavor and creaminess; do not substitute with margarine for best taste.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted meats or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1.2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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