Description
A quick, comforting weeknight dinner that tastes like slow-cooked French onion soup but is ready in just 30 minutes using only one pot. This simple meal features savory ground beef, rice, and a rich onion broth, requiring minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup water
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) dried onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional, for lean beef)
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. If using lean beef, add butter or oil.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the beef. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, water, and the entire packet of dried onion soup mix. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish absorbing liquid.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Serve immediately, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Do not use brown rice or instant rice as they will alter the texture and cooking time. Keep the lid on during simmering to retain steam. For high altitude cooking, add an extra 1/4 cup of water. This dish does not freeze well due to rice texture; store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one pot dinner, french onion soup, ground beef recipes, quick weeknight meals, comfort food, easy rice recipes, family friendly dinner