Name: Beefy French Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed French onion soup; Water (amount indicated on soup cans); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 4 slices Swiss cheese; 4 slices French bread, cut 1-inch thick

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This Beefy French Onion Soup takes the beloved flavors of classic French onion soup and adds a hearty boost of ground beef for a protein-rich, satisfying meal. With tender beef, savory broth, and cheesy toasted bread, it’s a comfort dish I love making on chilly evenings.

Beefy French Onion Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms a traditional French onion soup into something more filling and substantial by adding ground beef. The thyme adds an earthy note, the beef enriches the broth, and the broiled Swiss cheese over crusty bread turns every bite into a cozy treat. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
2 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed French onion soup
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices French bread, cut 1-inch thick

Directions

I heat a large saucepan or nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. I add the ground beef and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. I remove the beef with a slotted spoon and pour off the drippings.
I return the beef to the saucepan and add the French onion soup along with the water amount indicated on the soup cans. I stir in the thyme, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I cut the cheese slices to fit the bread slices, place the bread on a rack in the broiler pan, and broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes until toasted and the cheese is melted and golden.
I ladle the soup evenly into 4 bowls and top each with one cheesy bread slice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes use Gruyère instead of Swiss for a more traditional French onion flavor.
I swap the French bread for sourdough when I want extra tang.
For a richer broth, I add a splash of dry sherry or red wine before simmering.
I use fresh thyme when I have it on hand—it adds a brighter herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover soup (without the bread) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. I prepare fresh bread and cheese when serving leftovers so the topping stays crispy and melty.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the soup base in advance and reheat it just before serving. I only add the cheesy bread topping right before eating.

Can I freeze Beefy French Onion Soup?

Yes, I freeze the soup without the bread and cheese for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What kind of beef should I use?

I prefer using 80% lean ground beef for a richer flavor, but leaner ground beef works if I want to reduce the fat.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable-based French onion soup.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

I make sure to broil the bread until it’s crisp before adding it to the soup. That way, it stays firm longer after serving.

Conclusion

I love this Beefy French Onion Soup because it takes a classic comfort food and turns it into a satisfying main dish. With rich beef, aromatic thyme, and cheesy toasted bread, it’s the kind of meal that makes me feel warm and content, especially on a cold day.