This Easy French Onion Risotto is like the fanciest hamburger helper you’ve ever had. Ground beef, caramelized onions, arborio rice, beef broth, and a little wine are cooked slowly before getting doused in cheese. 

Easy French Onion Risotto

Risotto gets a bad name sometimes because it takes time and patience to do well. Don’t let that scare you off, though. It is worth it, and it is a great recipe to get the kids involved with too if they are into that kind of thing. 

This particular French Onion Risotto recipe first appeared on The Speckled Palate, and is shared with love here for you today with a few small changes (because I can’t make a recipe exactly how it’s written to save my life.)

French onion flavor, sweet caramelized onions, cheese, and beef broth blend into creamy Arborio rice, with ground beef added for extra protein to make this a whole meal. Once you taste it you’ll want this for weeknight dinners and cozy nights in. If you like comfort food, bold savory flavors, or want something that warms you up, this hits all of that.

You’re gonna want to serve this risotto hot, with maybe a side of crusty bread or a green salad. It’s great when you want something special but still homey. Leftovers are possible though best eaten within a day so texture stays good.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Incredible Flavors – Caramelized onions plus beef broth and wine give layers of savory sweetness.
• Hearty Meal – Ground beef adds substance so it works as a full dinner without needing extra meat.
• Comfort Food Vibes – Creamy, cheesy, warm, all things that make a bowl feel like a hug.
• Flexible Ingredients – Swap cheeses, skip wine, or use different aromatics depending on what you have.
• Crowd Friendly – Big pot, lots of servings, easy to scale up for family or guests.

Try our other Ground Beef Recipes too!

French Onion Risotto Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Ground Sirloin – Adds protein and depth, though ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives work too.
• Salt – Brings out the flavor in the beef and balances sweetness from the onions.
• Black Pepper – Gives a subtle heat and balances richness.
• Garlic Powder – Adds background savoriness without needing fresh garlic.
• Sweet Onions – Slowly caramelized for the key French onion flavor; yellow or white onions are best.
• Unsalted Butter – Helps caramelize the onions gently without scorching.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used to toast the rice and add a subtle richness.
• Arborio Rice – The short grain is essential for that creamy risotto texture; don’t substitute with long grain.
• Beef Stock – Adds bold, rich flavor throughout the dish; use good quality for best results.
• Dry White Wine – Adds acidity and depth; can be omitted or replaced with extra broth if needed.
• Whole Milk – Gives a creamy finish; heavy cream or half-and-half can be used for a richer result.
• Fresh Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the rice for flavor and creaminess; Gruyère or mozzarella can be used too.
• Fresh Thyme – A classic French herb that complements the onions perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley – Added at the end for freshness and color.

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How To Make French Onion Risotto

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Brown The Beef – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground sirloin with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Caramelize The Onions – In the same pot, cook sliced onions in butter over medium heat until deep golden brown. This can take around 40 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Toast The Rice – Add olive oil and Arborio rice to the pot. Stir and cook for several minutes until the grains start to turn lightly golden.
4. Add Liquids Gradually – Mix beef stock and wine, then add to the rice in small portions, stirring constantly. Let the liquid absorb before each addition. Repeat until rice is tender with a slight bite.
5. Finish The Risotto – Stir in the beef and onions. Add milk and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy. Garnish with thyme and parsley and serve hot.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Recipe Tips

Risotto is easy once you’ve got the hang of it. Here are some key tips to make sure your French Onion Risotto is as good as it possibly can be.

Take your time!

Risotto is not a dish that you can whip up in 20 minutes, even though it is, at its core, a simple rice dish. French onion risotto is no exception, either. It adds caramelized onions to the mix, which are a labor of love in their own right. 

So, be patient, expect this to take an hour-ish standing over the stove, and don’t send me angry emails at minute 50. You’ve been warned! 

Ingredients matter!

Use good ingredients. 

You’ll notice here I’m using ground sirloin in the recipe. Also, use wine that you’d be okay offering to guests. If you won’t drink it, don’t cook with it. 

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

French Onion Risotto FAQ