If you’ve ever wished you could turn your favorite French Onion Soup into a hearty dinner, this French Onion Ground Beef recipe is your dream come true. It’s savory, cheesy, and packed with all the deep caramelized onion flavor of the classic soup — but with a protein-packed twist that turns it into a full meal.
The first time I made this, I was craving that cozy French onion flavor but didn’t want to spend an hour babysitting onions. I had some ground beef thawed, a few onions, and a bit of Swiss cheese — so I improvised. By the time dinner was ready, the house smelled incredible, and everyone was hovering in the kitchen. The flavor was so rich and comforting that it instantly became part of our dinner rotation.
Now this French Onion Ground Beef sits right beside my Beef Lombardi Casserole and Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup as one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for any weeknight.
French Onion Ground Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and soft.
- Push the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss (and mozzarella if using) over the beef mixture. Cover and let it melt for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love French Onion Ground Beef
This recipe has everything you love about French Onion Soup — buttery onions, melty cheese, and rich, beefy flavor — without the long cooking time. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy nights when you still want something that tastes homemade.
If you love comforting skillet meals like my Creamy Beef Noodle Bake or Cajun Potato Soup, this dish will feel like an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
For Serving:
- Toasted bread or over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles
If you love rich and cheesy skillet dinners, you’ll also adore my White Lasagna Soup — it has that same creamy, soul-satisfying feel.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and soft.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Push the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle shredded Swiss (and mozzarella if using) over the beef mixture. Cover and let it melt for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Serve warm with No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or a side of Christmas Bread Recipe for the perfect cozy dinner.
If you prefer a creamy twist, this dish pairs beautifully with my Chicken Mushroom Soup — they share the same cozy kitchen vibe.
Tips for Perfect French Onion Ground Beef
- Go slow on the onions: The key is caramelizing, not just browning.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire: It deepens the flavor and adds that French onion richness.
- Use real cheese: Gruyère or Swiss gives the best melt and flavor.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a luxurious version.
These small details make all the difference — just like in my Marry Me Chicken Soup, where every step builds flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze without cheese for best results; add cheese when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on low heat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
If you like make-ahead comfort recipes, this one’s as reliable as my Snow Day Soup — flavorful and easy to reheat any day of the week.
Flavor Variations
- French Onion Ground Beef Stroganoff: Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist.
- Patty Melt Style: Spoon over toasted bread or burger buns.
- With Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms along with the onions for extra umami flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.
If you enjoy transforming classic flavors into hearty meals, you’ll love this one as much as my Pasta Fagioli — it’s comfort food, reimagined for everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cheese works best for French Onion Ground Beef?
Gruyère, Swiss, or Provolone melt beautifully and give that authentic flavor.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but add extra Worcestershire or a splash of soy sauce to keep the flavor rich.
3. What’s the best way to serve it?
Over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or even toasted French bread for a rustic touch.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
The Final Bite
This French Onion Ground Beef is rich, savory, and everything you want from a weeknight comfort meal. It’s got that irresistible caramelized onion flavor, creamy sauce, and melted cheese that ties it all together. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes with one skillet and simple ingredients.
Serve it with a side of buttery bread or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a dinner that tastes like something special without all the effort.
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