Description

French onion soup rice is a delicious fusion of caramelized onions, savory broth, and fluffy rice, inspired by the classic French onion soup. This easy one-pot meal combines deep umami flavors with a cheesy, comforting finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a must-try dish!

Ingredients

Scale

3 large yellow onions – Thinly sliced for deep caramelization
3 tbsp butter – Unsalted, for better control over saltiness
1 tbsp olive oil – Prevents the butter from burning
3 garlic cloves, minced – Enhances the umami depth
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
1 cup white rice (Jasmine or Basmati) – Best for a fluffy texture
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds a classic umami punch
1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried) – Gives a fresh aroma
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese – For that signature melted topping

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

No Gruyère? Use Swiss or mozzarella for a similar melt.
Want it vegetarian? Swap beef broth for veggie broth!
Love extra richness? A splash of heavy cream works wonders.

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions Like a Pro

Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
Add thinly sliced onions and stir to coat.
Slowly caramelize for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 20 minutes, add Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt.
Stir occasionally until onions turn a deep golden brown.

💡 Pro Tip: If onions start sticking, add a splash of broth or water to deglaze.

Step 2: Toast the Rice for Extra Flavor

Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
Add rice and toast for 2–3 minutes to enhance the nutty flavor.
Pour in beef broth (or veggie broth).
Add thyme, salt, and pepper, then stir well.

Step 3: Simmer Until Perfection

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes.
Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Short on time? Use pre-cooked rice and stir it in with 2 cups of broth for a quicker version!

Step 4: Add the Signature Cheese Topping

Sprinkle Gruyère cheese evenly over the rice.
Cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.
For an extra golden finish, broil under high heat for 2–3 minutes.

🔥 That’s it! Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and savory delight!

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
Want a crispier cheese topping? Broil for an extra 2 minutes until golden brown.
To make this dish vegetarian, swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 940 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10.4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9.4 g
Trans Fat: 0.7 g
Carbohydrates: 19.5 g
Fiber: 0.9 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 46.5 mg

Keywords: french onion soup rice, onion soup rice, cheesy onion rice, caramelized onion rice, french-style rice, one-pot rice, comfort food rice, easy dinner recipe