French Onion Soup Rice

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This cozy French onion soup rice is rich and flavorful and the perfect side dish to make any meal more exciting. It’s basically French onion soup in cheesy baked rice form, yum!

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French onion soup rice in a casserole dish topped with Gruyère cheese and thyme.

Why you’ll love this

This French onion soup rice recipe has all of the rich flavors you love about classic French onion soup: sweet caramelized onions, savory broth and gooey cheese.

It is truly one of the most delicious recipes and it’s made with super simple ingredients! It’s kind of like French onion soup meets risotto with minimal cooking time.

This recipe combines fluffy rice, sweet caramelized onions, beef broth and a convenient packet of onion soup mix to create the most delicious side dish. And don’t forget the melty cheese- it’s the best part.

It’s the perfect recipe to warm up chilly evenings or even impress your guests during a gathering.

Let’s get into what you need to make it.

French onion soup rice ingredients in bowls with labels on a countertop.
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Ingredients

  1. Rice: You’ll need white or brown rice long grain rice for the base of this dish. I do find that white rice works better, but either will work. My favorite is jasmine rice.
  2. French onion soup seasoning: You’ll need a 2 oz package of onion soup mix! It’s convenient and packs all of the delicious French onion soup mix you need.
  3. Sweet onions: Thinly sliced onions are the perfect addition and add so much flavor and sweetness after they’re caramelized.
  4. Beef broth: This recipe calls for beef broth just like you’ll find in classic French onion soup. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
  5. Thyme: Fresh thyme adds the perfect herby, aromatic touch.
  6. Gruyère cheese: This cheese melts into the perfect creamy cheesy topping. You can also use Swiss cheese, provolone cheese or even mozzarella cheese. Shredded cheese baked on top of the rice truly elevates this to the most incredible side dish.
  7. Olive oil: You’ll need a little bit of olive oil for caramelizing the onions.
  8. Salt + pepper
A plate of french onion soup rice garnished with thyme.

How to make French onion soup rice

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring rice and two cups of beef broth to a boil over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
  2. While rice is simmering, prepare caramelized onions. Heat olive oil in a frying pan on low medium heat and onions and thyme. Cook onions until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Stir onions every few minutes and reduce heat if they are beginning to burn or stick.
Thinly sliced onions and thyme in a frying pan.
Caramelized onions in a frying pan.
  1. Add caramelized onions, remaining 1/2 cup of broth, onion soup seasoning and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese to the rice and stir to combine. Add additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Caramelized onions, cheese and rice being mixed in a bowl.
  1. Transfer rice mixture to an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking dish.
French onion soup rice in a casserole dish.
French onion soup rice in a casserole dish topped with gruyère cheese.
  1. Top with the remaining cheese and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
French onion soup mix in a casserole dish topped with gruyère cheese.

How to store

Store leftover French onion soup rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

French onion soup rice in a casserole dish topped with Gruyère cheese and thyme.

Variations

  • Turn it into a main course by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked ground turkey or beef for a high protein version!
  • For a different texture add crispy fried onions to the top.
  • Add cooked shrimp or scallops for a delicious seafood main dish.
  • Add some sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed rice dish.
  • Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for a rice with a kick.
French onion soup rice in a casserole dish topped with Gruyère cheese and thyme.
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French Onion Soup Rice

A cozy and flavorful rice dish with caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese, inspired by classic French onion soup.
Jamie N, Registered Dietitian
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup white rice, or brown rice
  • 2 1/2 cups reduced sodium beef broth, divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large sweet onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme, stem removed
  • 2 oz dried onion soup mix
  • 4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded, or swiss, provolone, or mozzarella

Instructions 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring rice and two cups of beef broth to a boil over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
  • While rice is simmering, prepare caramelized onions. Heat olive oil in a frying pan on low medium heat and onions and thyme. Cook onions until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Stir onions every few minutes and reduce heat if they are beginning to burn or stick.
  • Add caramelized onions, remaining 1/2 cup of broth, onion soup seasoning and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese to the rice and stir to combine. Add additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Transfer rice mixture to an 8×8" or 9×9" baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 812mg | Potassium: 289mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.

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Hi, I'm Jamie

Iโ€™m a Registered Dietitian of over 10 years and I love creating simple, delicious recipes that leave you feeling good, too. Healthy eating doesnโ€™t have to be complicated! Let me show you with easy healthy recipes and realistic nutrition tips.

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