French Onion Soup Rice

Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Take an 8×8 inch pan and evenly spread the uncooked rice at the bottom.
Layering Flavors:
- Pour the beef broth over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Follow this by pouring in the French onion soup, infusing the rice with its savory essence.
Adding Richness:
- Slice the cold butter into pats and layer them evenly over the rice and soup mixture. This adds a rich, buttery flavor that melds beautifully with the savory notes of the soup.
Baking Brilliance:
- Cover the dish with tin foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Let it bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the liquid.
Final Touch:
- After 25 minutes, remove the tin foil, return the dish to the oven, and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked to perfection, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve warm alongside your favorite main course.

Long Grain Rice: This type of rice is perfect for this dish as it remains separate and fluffy after cooking.
Beef Broth: Provides a rich, meaty base flavor. You can use low-sodium beef broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
French Onion Soup: This adds a deep, savory flavor with caramelized onion notes. Canned soup is convenient, but you can use homemade if you have it.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to keep the rice moist and flavorful. Cold butter ensures it melts slowly and evenly during baking.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color to the finished dish. You can also use other herbs like chives or thyme if you prefer.

Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease the 8×8 inch pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Layering Flavors:
- When spreading the rice, ensure it is evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
- Pour the beef broth slowly to avoid disturbing the rice layer.
- Stir the French onion soup before pouring to ensure the onions are evenly distributed.
Adding Richness:
- Cut the butter into small pats (about 1/2 tablespoon each) for even coverage. This helps ensure the butter melts evenly and coats the rice well.
Baking Brilliance:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam, which helps the rice cook evenly.
- Check the rice after the first 25 minutes to ensure it is absorbing the liquids properly. Give it a gentle stir if needed.
- When you remove the foil, check the liquid level. If the rice seems too dry, you can add a bit more broth.
Final Touch:
- The final baking step without the foil helps to create a slightly crispy, golden top layer. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a softer top layer, you can reduce the uncovered baking time by a few minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
- Chop the parsley finely for a more delicate garnish.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a fresh green salad.
- For a complete meal, consider adding cooked vegetables or shredded chicken into the rice before baking.

Cheesy French Onion Rice: Add a cup of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top of the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
Mushroom French Onion Rice: Stir in a cup of sliced mushrooms with the rice for added flavor and texture.
Herbed French Onion Rice: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary with the rice before baking for an aromatic twist.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freeze: You can freeze the baked rice in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.