French Onion Beef Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole offers all the comforting flavors of a classic French onion soup—with the convenience and heartiness of a one-dish meal. It’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with savory depth thanks to caramelized onions and a flavorful beef base. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Egg noodles or pasta of choice
• Sour cream
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• Gruyère or Swiss cheese (shredded)
• French fried onions (for topping)
• Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly until golden and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove onions and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
6. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
7. Add the cooked noodles, caramelized onions, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir to combine.
8. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Top with remaining cheese and a layer of French fried onions.
10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with thyme or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken: A lighter option with just as much flavor.
• Make it creamier: Add extra sour cream or a splash of heavy cream for a richer texture.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for added earthiness.
• Try different pasta: Penne, rotini, or even rice can be used instead of egg noodles.
• Top with breadcrumbs: For a crunchier topping, use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of French fried onions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
This casserole can also be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish without the fried onions, freeze, and add them fresh when ready to bake. Use within 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge and bake when ready.

What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Gruyère or Swiss gives the best French onion flavor, but mozzarella or provolone are great melty alternatives.

How do I get perfect caramelized onions?

Cook them low and slow in butter or oil for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet.

Can I use homemade soup instead of canned?

Yes, homemade cream of mushroom or beefy onion soup will work perfectly if you prefer from-scratch cooking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze before baking (without the topping) or after it’s cooked. Just thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly.

What can I serve with French Onion Beef Casserole?

A green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread all pair well with this dish.

Can I use leftover roast beef?

Yes, shredded leftover roast beef can be substituted for ground beef for a more rustic version.

Can I make this dish without pasta?

Yes, replace the noodles with cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes for a low-carb option.

How do I keep French fried onions crispy?

Add them toward the end of baking or bake uncovered to keep them from getting soggy.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! It’s creamy, cheesy, and mild in spice—great for picky eaters.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Casserole brings together the best of comfort food and classic French flavors in one hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. With caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and crispy topping, it’s a casserole that’s as cozy as it is flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping ahead for a busy week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

French Onion Beef Casserole

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French Onion Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting bake made with savory ground beef, caramelized onions, creamy sauce, tender noodles, melted cheese, and a crispy French fried onion topping. It’s like French onion soup turned into a satisfying main dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
• Optional: chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Remove onions from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
6. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
7. Return onions to the pan and add the cooked noodles and half the shredded cheese. Stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Top with remaining cheese and French fried onions.
10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
11. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
• Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions for added depth.
• Try provolone or mozzarella if you don’t have Gruyère or Swiss.
• Freeze before baking without the French fried onions and add them fresh before cooking.
• Use leftover roast beef instead of ground beef for a rustic version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 95mg