French Onion Beef Couscous
French Onion Beef Couscous is a savory, one-pan meal that combines the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup with hearty ground beef and fluffy couscous. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor from caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to whip up but has the depth of taste you’d expect from a much longer cooking process.
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Not only does this recipe come together in under 30 minutes, but it’s also versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a go-to dish for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying!
Key Takeaways
- Caramelized Onions: The key to rich flavor in this dish; cook them until golden.
- Couscous Cooking: Simmer couscous in beef broth for maximum flavor absorption.
- Creamy Finish: Adding half and half with Parmesan creates a creamy, comforting texture.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Ground beef
- Butter
- White onions, cut into moons
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Couscous
- Beef broth
- Lipton onion soup mix packet
- Worcestershire sauce
- Half and half
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Parsley for garnish
Directions
1
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to drain.
2
Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook until they become golden brown and caramelized. Add in the fresh thyme, couscous, and onion soup mix, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes.
3
Cook the Couscous: Pour in the beef broth and allow the couscous to simmer and absorb the liquid. Once the couscous is fully cooked, stir in the cooked ground beef, half and half, and freshly grated Parmesan. Mix until everything is well combined.
4
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives. You could also use leftover roast beef, finely chopped, for a more traditional French onion flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace the ground beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the couscous if it becomes too thick.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would make a great accompaniment. Garlic bread or a baguette would also pair perfectly to soak up the creamy sauce!
Can I use a different type of grain instead of couscous?
Yes, you can substitute couscous with quinoa, rice, or orzo. Just adjust the cooking time and amount of broth as needed.
French Onion Beef Couscous
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 white onions cut in moons
- fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups beef broth
- Lipton onion soup mix packet
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire
- 1/2 cup half and half
- fresh grated Parmesan
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In skillet cook beef then set aside to drain.
- Add in butter and onions and let cook till golden. Add in thyme, couscous, and onion soup mix. Cook for 5 minutes
- Add in broth and let couscous fully cook. Add back in meat, half and half and Parmesan!
