Basmati Risotto with Butter: Creamy One-Pot Rice Recipe

Basmati rice risotto is a delicious, easy side dish that pairs well with many mains. My sister discovered this version on a bag of basmati rice, and we’ve made it ever since. It’s often called “Stick of Butter Rice” or rice consommé.

This recipe is a true dump-and-bake: no stirring over the stove required. The result is simple, rich, and full of flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed

With only a handful of ingredients this dish delivers big flavor. Use good-quality basmati for the best texture and aroma.

Basmati Rice – Aromatic and light, basmati soaks up flavors while staying fluffy.

Beef Consommé – A rich, concentrated beef broth that deepens the dish.

French Onion Soup – Adds savory, caramelized onion flavor that boosts the overall taste.

Sliced Mushrooms – Provide an earthy note and pleasant texture.

Butter – One stick of butter melts into the rice for a creamy, indulgent finish.

Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkled on top to add a salty, cheesy finish.

How to Make Basmati Rice Risotto (Stick of Butter Rice)

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the stick of butter in a 2½‑quart casserole dish and put it in the oven to melt.
• Once the butter is melted, add the beef consommé, french onion soup, sliced mushrooms, and basmati rice to the casserole dish. Stir gently to combine.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and bake for one hour.
• Remove from the oven and fluff the rice lightly with a fork—notice the onions will rise to the top. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

For a fresh finish, optionally sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve alongside your favorite protein—this rice complements pork, chicken, or beef nicely. Appearance is modest, but the flavor is outstanding.

Tips

Substitute brown, jasmine, or wild rice if desired, but avoid instant rice—its texture will be poor after baking. The original version used margarine, but real butter gives a better flavor; use margarine only if you prefer it. The recipe lists two tablespoons of parmesan, but feel free to add more for a cheesier finish.

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace beef consommé with vegetable or mushroom broth and add extra vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers.

Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broths and soups and reduce the parmesan to lower the salt content.

Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños before baking for heat.

Herbed: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil either before baking or sprinkled on top after cooking.

Protein-Packed: Fold in cooked chicken, shrimp, or shredded beef after baking to make it a complete meal.

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