Baked buttery rice with French onion soup and beef broth—rich, savory, and comforting with just 4 pantry staples. Perfect side dish for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
- Perfect for holiday spreads or weeknight dinners
- No-fuss baking—just mix and bake
- Naturally rich and ultra comforting
- Crowd-pleaser for potlucks or family meals
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (not instant)
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed beef broth
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Add the uncooked rice, condensed French onion soup, and condensed beef broth directly into the dish. Stir well to combine.
- Layer the thin slices of butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture—this helps create the golden crust.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the rice is tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Calories: 403 kcal per serving
Variations
- Mushroom twist: Add a 4 oz can of mushrooms or ½ cup of sautéed mushrooms before baking.
- Cheesy version: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar after baking, then cover and let melt for 5 minutes.
- Herb upgrade: Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use a vegetarian onion soup.
- Protein boost: Mix in cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a complete one-dish meal.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to restore moisture.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice?
No, this recipe is developed for uncooked long grain white rice. Instant rice would become mushy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Not recommended unless you adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more time and liquid to cook properly.
What does the butter do in this recipe?
The butter adds richness and helps create a flavorful crust on top of the rice as it bakes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time if needed.
Is it too salty with both broth and soup?
Using low-sodium broth can help balance the saltiness. Taste and adjust as needed.
What proteins go well with this rice?
It pairs beautifully with steak, baked chicken, pork chops, or even grilled tofu.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter is highly recommended for the best flavor and browning.
Can I bake it uncovered the whole time?
It’s best to cover it for the first 30 minutes to allow the rice to steam and soften, then uncover to crisp the top.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze in portions for easy reheating during busy weeks.
Conclusion
Savory Stick of Butter Rice is the definition of simple comfort food. With just four ingredients and no stovetop time, this golden, buttery rice bake brings big flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or whipping up a weeknight side, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
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Savory Stick of Butter Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Baked buttery rice with French onion soup and beef broth—rich, savory, and comforting with just 4 pantry staples. The ultimate easy side!
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (not instant)
1 (10 oz) can condensed French onion soup
1 (10 oz) can condensed beef broth
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Stir together rice, French onion soup, and beef broth in the dish.
Arrange sliced butter evenly on top.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes until rice is tender and golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use long grain rice only; instant rice will not work.
For extra depth, add sautéed mushrooms or onions before baking.
Great for doubling in a 9×13 dish for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American