Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both comforting and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious twist on a classic: Ground Beef and French Onion Soup. This recipe takes all the goodness of traditional French onion soup – that rich, caramelized onion flavor and deeply savory broth – and adds a protein boost with lean ground beef for a more substantial and satisfying dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy cooks looking for healthy meals without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or other melting cheese)
Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
This is the key to a truly delicious French onion soup. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. Be patient; the longer you cook them, the richer the flavor will be. Add a pinch of salt halfway through to help draw out moisture and speed up the caramelization process.
Step 2: Browning the Beef
Once the onions are beautifully browned, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmering the Soup
Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt to taste. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor becomes.
Step 4: Assembling and Baking
Preheat your oven's broiler. Arrange the baguette slices in oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Ladle the hot soup over the bread. Top generously with shredded Gruyere cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade ground beef and French onion soup! This delicious dish is perfect served with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and French Onion Soup:
- Don't rush the caramelization: This step is crucial for developing the deep, rich flavor of the soup.
- Use good quality beef broth: This will significantly impact the overall taste of your soup.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking: Feel free to add more herbs or spices to suit your preferences.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef and Onion Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Creamy Beef and Onion Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Ground Beef and French Onion Soup recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy. It combines delicious flavors with simple techniques, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy!