– **Title**: French Onion Beef and Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb beef (chuck or sirloin), sliced thin
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup dry white wine (or additional beef broth)
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 lb pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
– 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
2. In another skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until well browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth, white wine (or additional broth), Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. In the meantime, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Add the cooked beef to the broth and onion mixture, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Add the drained pasta to the beef and onion mixture and stir to combine everything evenly.
7. If using, preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded Gruyère cheese.
8. Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is a wonderful choice because its shape holds onto the sauce well. If it’s not available, you can easily swap it for penne, shells, or any pasta you have on hand!
Ground Beef: I often use ground turkey as a lighter alternative. It’s just as easy to cook and pairs well with the flavors here. You could also try ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version!
Onion: A large yellow onion works best for a sweet, rich flavor. If you’re out of onions, shallots can be a great substitute or even a bit of onion powder in a pinch, though fresh is always better for texture.
Beef Broth: If you prefer a lighter version, low-sodium chicken broth works well. Vegetable broth is another great choice! This adds flavor without overwhelming the dish.
French Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds a unique flavor to the dish, but if you don’t have it, a mix of onion powder, beef bouillon, and a pinch of dried thyme can work as a substitute.
How Can I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key to bringing out their sweet flavor. The slow cooking allows their natural sugars to develop. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the skillet on medium. Add olive oil and let it warm up. Then add the sliced onions.
- Stir occasionally, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning. Let them cook for 10-15 minutes until they’re soft and golden.
- You can add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture and encourage browning!
Don’t rush this process; good caramelized onions can make a world of difference in the final flavor of your dish! Enjoy the simplicity of watching them transform!
How to Make French Onion Beef and Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 12 oz orecchiette or any pasta of choice
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For Garnish (Optional):
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking the onions and browning the beef, then combine everything together, and it’s ready to serve! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette or your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it like a pro and set it aside while you work on the rest of the dish.
2. Sautéing the Onions:
Grab a large skillet or pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn caramelized and golden brown. Trust us; this step adds a delicious depth of flavor!
3. Browning the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Push those lovely caramelized onions to one side of the pan and add the beef to the empty side. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Once the beef is nicely browned, stir it together with the onions. Then, sprinkle in the French onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix to coat it all with those amazing flavors!
5. Adding Broth:
Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine it all. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors mingle together beautifully.
6. Adding Peas and Pasta:
Time to add in the frozen peas and the cooked pasta! Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and heated through. This should take around 3-4 minutes. Make sure everything is nice and warm!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your delicious French Onion Beef and Pasta warm. If you like, top it with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Keep in mind that it might be a little less flavorful, so consider adding a bit more seasoning or even a splash of soy sauce for extra depth.
What If I Don’t Have French Onion Soup Mix?
No problem! You can make your own mix with equal parts onion powder and beef bouillon powder, combined with a bit of garlic powder and salt to taste. This will mimic the flavor profile of the mix quite well!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils as a protein source. Just ensure that your broth is veggie-based, and you’ll still get a delicious, hearty meal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out, and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
