French Onion Rice Bake: Your Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Side Dish

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful French Onion Rice Bake. Infused with the deep, savory notes of classic French onion soup and robust beef consommé, this delicious rice casserole isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience. It consistently earns its place as a family favorite, delivering a comforting and satisfying addition to any meal, from a grand holiday roast to a casual weeknight steak or burger.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Rice Bake

This French Onion Rice Bake offers an irresistible combination of convenience and gourmet taste. It’s the perfect solution when you crave something special but are short on time. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unforgettable Flavor Depth: By combining condensed cream of mushroom soup, canned beef consommé, and French onion soup, this dish achieves a remarkable savory depth and umami richness that mimics slow-cooked flavors without the effort. The soups caramelize slightly during baking, creating a luscious, rich sauce that coats every grain of rice.
• Effortless Preparation: With just a few staple pantry ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this dish comes together quickly. Simply melt butter, stir in the ingredients, and bake. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you need an impressive side without the stress.
• Incredibly Versatile: Whether you’re serving a elegant holiday dinner or a casual backyard BBQ, this rice bake complements a wide array of main courses. Its hearty, comforting nature makes it a crowd-plepleaser for all ages.
• Comfort Food at its Best: The warm, savory aroma filling your kitchen and the creamy, flavorful rice on your plate truly embody the essence of comfort food. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for any season.

Recipe

French Onion Rice

5 from 2 votes

Richly flavored with French onion soup and beef consommé, this delicious rice bake is a family favorite. It makes an easy side dish for roasts, steak, and burgers.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 171

Ingredients

  

• 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 10.5 ounces canned beef consommé
• 10.5 ounces canned French onion soup
• 2 cups instant rice
• 4 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

• Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a 2-quart casserole dish.
• Add 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces canned beef consommé, 10.5 ounces canned French onion soup, and 2 cups instant rice to the casserole dish. Mix well.
• Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 171 calCarbohydrates: 21 gProtein: 4 gFat: 7 gSodium: 646 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 1 g

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Pro Tips for a Perfect French Onion Rice Bake

Even with such a straightforward recipe, a few tips can elevate your French Onion Rice Bake from good to extraordinary:

• Instant Rice is Key: This recipe specifically calls for instant rice because it absorbs the liquids perfectly and cooks quickly in the oven, resulting in a tender, flavorful grain without becoming mushy. Avoid substituting with regular long-grain or brown rice, as cooking times and liquid ratios would need significant adjustment.
• Choose Your Casserole Dish Wisely: A 2-quart casserole dish is ideal for the quantities specified. Ensure it’s oven-safe and has enough space to allow the rice to cook evenly without overflowing. A larger dish might cause the liquids to evaporate too quickly, leading to dry rice.
• Mix Thoroughly: Before baking, take the time to mix all ingredients thoroughly. This ensures that every grain of instant rice is coated with the flavorful soup mixture, preventing dry spots and promoting even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Don’t Overbake: Bake just until bubbly and heated through, typically around 30 minutes. Overbaking can dry out the rice, making it less appealing. The rice should be tender but still have a slight al dente bite.
• Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbaceous note that beautifully contrasts the rich, savory flavors of the bake.

Creative Variations and Customizations

While the classic French Onion Rice Bake is delicious on its own, it also serves as an excellent base for creative variations:

• Cheesy Indulgence: For a true French onion soup experience, sprinkle a cup of shredded Gruyère or Provolone cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Allow it to melt and become golden and bubbly for an irresistible crust.
• Boost the Protein: Turn this side into a more substantial main dish by adding cooked, shredded chicken, ground beef, or even sliced cooked sausage to the mixture before baking.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Option: Easily adapt this recipe by swapping the beef consommé for vegetable broth and using a vegetarian French onion soup or a rich mushroom broth. Ensure all condensed soups used are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
• Herbal Enhancements: Incorporate additional fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into the mix or as a garnish for an extra layer of aroma and taste.
• A Touch of Wine: For an even deeper flavor, you can add a splash (about 1/4 cup) of dry red or white wine to the soup mixture. Cook it down for a few minutes before adding the rice to allow the alcohol to evaporate, leaving behind concentrated flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Your French Onion Rice Bake

This versatile rice bake pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, making it a reliable choice for any meal:

• Classic Meat Pairings: It’s a natural match for hearty meats. Serve it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken or turkey, a juicy steak, tender pork chops, or even classic meatloaf. The savory rice complements these dishes by adding a rich, moist texture and depth of flavor.
• Holiday Gatherings: Elevate your holiday spread with this easy yet elegant side. It stands out next to mashed potatoes and green bean casseroles, offering a unique and comforting alternative.
• Weeknight Wonders: Don’t reserve this dish just for special occasions. Its quick prep and cook time make it an ideal companion for simple weeknight meals like grilled burgers, sausages, or even a pan-seared chicken breast.
• Vegetarian Mains: If you’ve adapted it to be vegetarian, serve it with roasted vegetables, a hearty bean burger, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning ahead makes mealtime even easier. This French Onion Rice Bake can be prepared in advance and stored:

• Preparing in Advance: You can assemble the casserole (mix all ingredients except possibly the butter if you prefer to melt it fresh) up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover French Onion Rice should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat, portion out the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish and microwave until hot, stirring occasionally. For oven reheating, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
• Freezer Friendly: This casserole freezes quite well. Once completely cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

This recipe is specifically formulated for instant rice due to its quick cooking time and liquid absorption properties. Using regular rice (like long-grain white or brown rice) would require significant adjustments to the liquid amount and baking time, and the results might vary. For the best outcome, stick to instant rice for this particular recipe.

Can I make this French Onion Rice dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, you would need to use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute and a dairy-free butter alternative. Always check the labels of all canned soups and consommé to ensure they do not contain hidden dairy ingredients.

Is it possible to use homemade French onion soup?

Absolutely! If you have homemade French onion soup, you can substitute it for the canned version. You might need to adjust the amount of beef consommé slightly based on the richness and saltiness of your homemade soup to maintain the desired flavor profile.

What kind of casserole dish is best for baking?

A standard 2-quart (approximately 2-liter) oven-safe casserole dish is perfect for this recipe. Glass, ceramic, or metal baking dishes all work well. Ensure it has a lid if you plan to cover it for storage, though this recipe bakes uncovered.

How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?

The rice is cooked when it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the casserole is bubbly and heated through. It should not be overly wet or dry. If you find it’s drying out too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

This French Onion Rice Bake is more than just a side; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and comforting. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your home!