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French Onion Rice Casserole

Featured in Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less.

While onions cook slowly in butter until golden, simmer rice in broth. Mix in garlic powder and herbs for a warm, satisfying dish in 60 minutes.
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Sarah
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 23:46:43 GMT
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Savory Onion Rice Dish | chefmiarecipes.com

Turn ordinary rice into a fancy, French-style dish where sweet, browned onions blend with soft, fluffy grains. This cozy bake brings together the deep tastes of classic French onion soup with tender rice to create a side that'll grab all the attention.

I came up with this one night when it was freezing outside. I wanted French onion soup but needed something heartier. The way those golden onions soak into the rice makes something truly special with each bite.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Long-grain white rice: Gives you that perfect fluffy feel
  • Sweet onions: Turn golden brown for amazing taste
  • Quality beef broth: Adds rich, meaty flavor
  • Fresh butter: Helps onions brown just right
  • Garlic powder: Brings a nice background flavor
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness at the end

Making Fantastic Rice

Onion Development:**
Cook onions slowly until they're dark and sweet.
Rice Preparation:**
Wash rice well for the best texture.
Broth Integration:**
Let rice simmer in flavorful beef broth.
Flavor Building:**
Mix your rice with those sweet browned onions.
Final Assembly:**
Sprinkle with fresh herbs before you dig in.
French Onion Rice Casserole Recipe Pin it
French Onion Rice Casserole Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

My grandma from France always told me that being patient with onions makes this dish special. Whenever I cook it, the smell reminds me of hanging out in her kitchen.

Careful Heat Management

Keeping the heat low and steady helps onions brown perfectly without getting burnt.

Perfect Rice Consistency

Success comes from cooking rice that stays separate but soaks up all the tasty flavors.

Prep Ahead Tricks

Fix the different parts early and put them together right before eating.

Fun Twists to Try

Throw in some Gruyere cheese or fresh thyme for a true French touch.

Easy French Onion Rice Casserole Recipe Pin it
Easy French Onion Rice Casserole Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

Saving Leftovers

Store in a sealed container up to three days. Warm up slowly with a splash of broth.

After making this bake tons of times, I've learned that going slow with those onions really pays off. When you pair nicely browned onions with perfectly cooked rice, you turn basic stuff into something so good everyone will want seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How will I know the onions are ready?
They'll turn a soft, deep brown after about 20-25 minutes. Don't rush this step; it's where all the goodness develops!
→ Can I prepare this dish early?
Sure! Cook the onions a day ahead. Add a little broth when reheating so it stays moist.
→ What's the purpose of washing the rice?
Washing gets rid of extra starch so the rice isn't sticky or clumpy. Keep rinsing until the water looks clear.
→ What goes well with this?
Perfect with roast chicken, grilled meats, or even as a hearty vegetarian dish. Its bold flavors go with most meals!
→ Can I use another type of rice?
You can! Just keep in mind that brown rice cooks slower, while basmati or jasmine work about the same as long-grain.

French Onion Rice Casserole

Tender rice cooked in beef broth combined with buttery caramelized onions. Great for dinner parties or casual meals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Weeknight Elegance

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion French-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Core Ingredients

01 2 large onions, sliced super thin
02 1 cup white rice, long grain, rinsed well
03 2 cups broth—beef or veggie works fine

→ Oils & Flavors

04 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 Salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed

→ Extras for Serving

08 Handful of fresh parsley, chopped small

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil and butter together in a big pan over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and start softening them up.

Step 02

Keep stirring every now and then as the onions cook gently for about 20-25 minutes. You want them golden and caramel-like, so sprinkle in salt and pepper along the way.

Step 03

While the onions are doing their thing, rinse rice under running water until it’s clear. Put your broth in a medium pot, bring it to a boil, then add rice. Cover and lower the heat.

Step 04

Allow the rice to quietly simmer for 15-18 minutes or so, checking that the liquid’s all gone and it’s tender enough. Don't lift the lid while it cooks.

Step 05

Once the rice is finished, fold in your lovely caramelized onions and garlic powder. Taste—it might need more salt or pepper depending on how your broth was seasoned.

Step 06

Spoon everything into a bowl, scatter parsley on top, and serve it fresh while it’s steaming. The smell alone will have you digging in!

Notes

  1. Want it super comforting? Melt in shredded Swiss or Gruyère toward the end.
  2. Switch the broth to veggie for a plant-friendly version.
  3. Leftovers will last up to 3 days—just add a splash of broth for reheating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big frying pan
  • Small pot with a snug lid
  • Strainer for getting the grains clean

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Uses butter, so it's not dairy-free

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 4 g