Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until soft. Add the rice and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 3 mins. Add the salt, pepper, and beef broth. Cover and simmer for 20 mins or transfer to a covered casserole and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1 hour. Mushroom Pilaf: Add the broth to 1 cup chopped mushrooms that be sauteed in 2 tbsp butter. Chicken Pilaf: Substitute 2 cups chicken broth for the beef broth, and with the broth add 1 cup diced cooked chicken and 1/2 tsp tarragon, crumbled.