French Onion Beef and Rice

If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you’re going to love this hearty and satisfying French Onion Beef and Rice skillet. Packed with caramelized onions, tender ground beef, savory rice, and melted Gruyère cheese, this one-pan dish delivers all the comforting flavors of your favorite soup in a full meal. Perfect for weeknights or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

• Deep, savory flavor: Caramelized onions, beef stock, and French onion skillet sauce give it rich, slow-cooked taste in less time.

• Comfort food favorite: With beef, rice, and gooey cheese, this is a warm, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish.

• Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Kid- and family-friendly: Familiar ingredients make it a hit with picky eaters and hungry adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 teaspoons avocado oil

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion seasoning (like Tastefully Simple™ Onion Onion Seasoning)

• ½ teaspoon seasoned pepper

• 1 cup white long grain rice, uncooked

• 2 cups beef stock

• ¾ cup French onion skillet sauce

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized—about 15–20 minutes. If the onions begin to burn, reduce heat and add more oil if needed.

2. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.

4. Return the skillet to the stove and stir in the garlic, onion seasoning, and seasoned pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add in the uncooked rice, beef stock, French onion skillet sauce, frozen peas and carrots, and the reserved caramelized onions. Stir well to combine.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Fluff the mixture with a spoon, then stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and fully combined.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Cheese swap: Use Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone instead of Gruyère for a slightly different flavor.

• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: A leaner alternative to beef without sacrificing texture.

• Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.

• Add fresh herbs: Thyme or parsley can boost the French-inspired flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems too dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I use instead of French Onion Skillet Sauce?

You can substitute with condensed French onion soup or a mix of caramelized onion jam and beef broth.

Is this dish gluten-free?

As written, it depends on the brand of skillet sauce and stock used. Check all labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Prepare it in advance and reheat before serving.

Can I skip the peas and carrots?

Absolutely. Feel free to swap in your preferred vegetables or omit them altogether.

How can I make this dish creamier?

Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream when stirring in the cheese for a richer texture.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

You can use any good melting cheese like Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar.

Can I use a rice blend or instant rice?

Instant rice may become too soft with this method. A rice blend could work but may alter the cooking time and liquid ratio.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

This recipe is best on the stovetop, but you can transfer it to an oven-safe skillet and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes to melt the cheese.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This French Onion Beef and Rice skillet is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. Combining caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and tender rice all coated in gooey Gruyère cheese, it delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.