Golden Butter Onion Rice

Featured in Tasty Ways with Grains and Rice.

This quick rice dish combines buttery goodness with French onion soup and beef broth for an easy baked side with a golden finish.
Emily Watson
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:32:28 GMT
A golden-baked rice meal topped with buttery pats and a crispy finish. Pin it
A golden-baked rice meal topped with buttery pats and a crispy finish. | thefamilycooks.com

I can't wait to tell you about my Buttery Onion Baked Rice! This dish means so much to me - it's one of those wonderful recipes that turns basic items into something truly special. When butter, beef broth and French onion soup come together, they create an amazing savory taste that'll make everyone want more.

What Makes This Rice Special

The beauty of this rice is how simple it is to make while still packing incredible flavor. You only need four ingredients to whip up something unforgettable. I adore how I can stick it in the oven and then work on the main course. It's become my favorite side for everything from rushed weekday meals to fancy dinner parties.

Ingredients Needed

  • Long-Grain White Rice: 1 1/4 cups uncooked for that light, airy finish and consistent cooking.
  • Beef Broth: 14.5 ounces (1 can) to give the rice a rich, meaty depth.
  • French Onion Soup: 10.5 ounces (1 can) for that distinctive, sweet onion taste.
  • Butter: 8 tablespoons, sliced into pieces, to give the dish its luxurious, golden finish.

Cooking Instructions

Set Up Your Dish
Distribute 1 1/4 cups of uncooked long-grain rice evenly across a square baking dish so it cooks properly.
Pour In The Liquids
Add the beef broth and French onion soup over the rice, making sure it's all covered. If you want, throw in 1/4 cup of diced white onion for extra kick.
Add The Butter
Place 8 tablespoons of butter, cut into slices, on top of the rice mixture for that creamy, decadent touch.
Initial Cooking
Wrap the dish with aluminum foil and cook in a 425°F (220°C) oven that's been preheated for 25 minutes.
Final Cooking Stage
Take off the foil and cook without covering for another 25 minutes, letting all the liquid soak in and the rice finish cooking.
Cool Before Eating
Let it sit for a bit after taking it out of the oven before you serve it up.

Helpful Hints

Don't worry if your rice seems too soupy after the first cooking stage - I promise it'll turn out great! I sometimes add fresh parsley for a pop of green or mushrooms for more substance. If you're avoiding gluten, just use gluten-free French onion soup. Leftovers stay good in your fridge up to four days.

Works With Any Meal

From quick family dinners to big holiday gatherings, this rice always fits right in. It's the side dish everyone asks me to bring again - even people who normally pass on rice can't get enough of its buttery richness!

Customize It

I really like how flexible this dish can be. Sometimes I mix in mushrooms or fresh herbs for something different. Throwing in more chopped onions kicks up the flavor, and switching to vegetable broth makes a lighter version that tastes just as good.

Storage Tips

Any extra rice keeps well in a sealed container for about four days. When I warm it up, I always add a little water before putting it in the microwave to keep it from drying out. You can also heat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes and it tastes just made.

Beyond Ordinary Side Dishes

This isn't your basic rice dish - it's a bowlful of comfort. I serve it with everything from roast chicken to grilled steak to my favorite vegetable dishes, and it always makes the meal feel extra special. It's become one of my most treasured recipes.

A golden-brown baked dish with a crispy top, dotted with small pats of butter, resting in a white casserole dish on a striped cloth. Pin it
A golden-brown baked dish with a crispy top, dotted with small pats of butter, resting in a white casserole dish on a striped cloth. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use foil in the beginning?
The foil helps the rice cook evenly by trapping steam. Removing it allows the top to turn golden and dry out excess liquid.
→ Is it okay to use other rice?
White long-grain rice works best because it holds up during cooking. Other types might need different water ratios or time.
→ Why rest it after baking?
Letting it sit for a bit gives the rice time to soak up extra liquid and get the ideal texture.
→ Can I spice it up more?
Absolutely, try adding pepper, diced onions, or your favorite seasonings to give it extra flavor.
→ Why spread the butter in pieces?
Placing small pats all over ensures the butter melts evenly and gives every bite a rich flavor.

Golden Butter Onion Rice

A buttery, savory baked rice made with beef broth, onion soup, and a golden crisp on top. A straightforward and tasty side.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Grains & Rice

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cups of white rice, long-grain.
02 14.5 oz. of beef stock.
03 10.5 oz. of onion soup (French-style).
04 8 tbsp. of butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn oven to 425°F. Spread the rice out in a square dish for baking.

Step 02

Pour the onion soup and beef stock onto the rice.

Step 03

Put slices of butter on top. Want more flavor? Sprinkle with pepper.

Step 04

Wrap it up with foil and bake for 25 mins.

Step 05

Remove foil, bake for another 25 mins, then let it cool a bit before eating.

Notes

  1. Just need 4 simple items!
  2. Toss in onions or pepper if you'd like.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dish used for baking — square-shaped.
  • Foil for covering.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 4 g