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A bowl of French onion soup rice with melted Gruyère cheese and caramelized onions.

French Onion Soup Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Dish


  • Author: Vera
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This French Onion Soup Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with hearty, fluffy rice. Infused with beef broth, butter, and gooey melted cheese, this one-pot recipe is a perfect side dish or standalone meal for cozy dinners. It’s simple to make and packed with umami goodness, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss cheese)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Optional Garnishes:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra shredded gruyère or Swiss cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions:

    • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
    • Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar, then cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
  2. Add Garlic & Toast the Rice:

    • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add the rice and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the grains.
  3. Simmer the Rice:

    • Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, onion powder, and add the bay leaf.
    • Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
    • Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Melt the Cheese & Serve:

    • Remove the bay leaf.
    • Stir in gruyère cheese and Parmesan, mixing well until melted.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional cheese, if desired.
    • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Variations: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to make this vegetarian. Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve as a side dish with steak, roasted chicken, or alongside a fresh green salad.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.
  • Make it Creamier: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream for a richer consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Sugar: ~4g
  • Sodium: ~550mg (varies by broth used)
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Saturated Fat: ~6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Protein: ~10g
  • Cholesterol: ~25mg