When Life Gets Busy, This 5-Ingredient Stick of Butter Rice Has Your Back
Ever have one of those nights when dinner feels like a chore and takeout sounds way too tempting? Yep, me too. That’s exactly why this 5-Ingredient Stick of Butter Rice exists. It’s the kind of recipe that whispers, “Relax, I’ve got dinner covered.”
This dish has gone viral for good reason—it’s made with ingredients you probably already have, takes less than five minutes to prep, and somehow tastes like it came from your favorite Southern restaurant. Think golden buttery rice, rich beefy flavor, and that cozy aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?”
Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Stick of Butter Rice
If your weeknights are as hectic as mine—between work, errands, and convincing the kids that “rice counts as dinner”—this recipe will be your new BFF.
- Only 5 ingredients! No fancy shopping lists.
- Zero stress cooking: Mix, bake, and forget it.
- Perfect every time: It’s impossible to mess up (seriously).
- Family-approved: My picky eaters ask for seconds every time.
And bonus—it pairs beautifully with just about anything: roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a cozy veggie stir-fry. You can explore more easy side dishes like 5-Ingredient Sheet Pan Suppers or my viral Dump Cakes Collection if you’re all about minimal-effort cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just five humble ingredients come together to create pure magic:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé or beef broth
- 1 can (10 oz) condensed French onion soup (use the liquid, too!)
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, sliced
- Optional: ¾ cup water or a few sprigs of fresh thyme for a light herbal touch
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice
Step 1: Mix everything up
Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish (or any small casserole dish). Pour in the rice, beef consommé, and French onion soup. Give it a gentle stir—no need to rinse the rice or get fancy.
Step 2: Add the magic
Slice up your stick of butter and scatter it over the top like little golden coins of happiness.
Step 3: Bake and relax
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 400°F for 50–55 minutes. (If you like a crisp top, remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes.)
Step 4: Fluff and serve
Take it out, fluff it gently with a fork, and serve warm. The rice will be tender, buttery, and oh-so-comforting.
Luma’s Little Tip
If you want to turn this side dish into a meal, try adding shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed mushrooms before baking. It transforms into a full dinner—still easy, still ridiculously good.
And don’t panic if your rice looks a little soupy when you pull it out. Just give it a minute to rest—it thickens up beautifully. Remember, butter makes everything better, especially patience!
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
I first made this on one of those chaotic Tuesdays—you know, when laundry piles are taller than your motivation. I tossed everything in a dish, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Thirty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like heaven and my family asked for seconds before I even sat down.
That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another internet recipe—it was the weeknight lifesaver.
FAQs About 5-Ingredient Stick of Butter Rice
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Technically yes, but you’ll need more liquid and time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so add ½ cup extra broth and bake about 20 minutes longer.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter gives that rich, comforting flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan butter or olive-oil-based alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the dish, refrigerate it (covered), and bake it just before serving.
Serving Ideas You’ll Love
This buttery rice pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey – try my cozy Crusted Turkey Recipe.
- Air Fryer favorites like Honey-Butter Toast.
- Comfort desserts such as Mini Christmas Cheesecakes.
If you enjoy this, don’t miss my Holiday Make-Ahead Loaf—it’s another easy, crowd-pleasing favorite!
Helpful Resources
If you’re new to baking rice in the oven, this quick guide from Southern Living shows how to adjust for different rice types.
And for substitution tips, The Chunky Chef’s version is another great reference for flavor variations.
The Final Scoop
This 5-Ingredient Stick of Butter Rice is more than just a side dish—it’s a warm hug in a baking dish. Simple ingredients, big comfort, and absolutely no stress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just feeding your crew on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers buttery perfection every single time.
So grab that stick of butter, preheat your oven, and let’s make something that’ll make your kitchen smell like pure happiness.
