French Onion Beef Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this casserole for its incredible blend of flavors and simplicity. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Comforting and hearty — perfect for chilly evenings.
• Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of rich onion flavor.
• A great make-ahead or freezer-friendly meal.
• Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef
• Egg noodles
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• French onion soup (canned or homemade)
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• Crispy fried onions (for topping)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until combined and creamy.
7. Fold in the cooked noodles and mix until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and top with crispy fried onions. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until the topping is golden brown.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use different meats: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
• Add veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or green beans for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese options: Try Gruyère, provolone, or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
• Extra creamy: Add a bit of cream cheese for richer texture.
• Low-carb version: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

2. What type of noodles work best?

Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can use penne, rotini, or any short pasta.

3. Can I use homemade French onion soup?

Definitely! Homemade soup adds an even richer flavor to the casserole.

4. Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade white sauce instead.

5. How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles, soup, and fried onions to make the dish gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze this casserole before baking?

Yes, assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 50–55 minutes.

7. What cheese melts best for this recipe?

Mozzarella or Swiss cheese gives a smooth, creamy texture, but cheddar works well too.

8. Can I add more onions for extra flavor?

Yes! Caramelized onions or extra sautéed onions enhance the French onion flavor beautifully.

9. Can I skip the fried onion topping?

You can, but it adds a delicious crunch. Substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if desired.

10. What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Casserole is a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With its creamy beef base, savory onion flavor, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that delivers both comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

French Onion Beef Casserole

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French Onion Beef Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting baked dish featuring ground beef, egg noodles, and a savory French onion sauce. Topped with melted cheese and crispy fried onions, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz egg noodles
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
5. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined and creamy.
7. Fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Top with crispy fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• For extra richness, add caramelized onions or a few spoonfuls of cream cheese.
• Use gluten-free noodles and soups for a gluten-free version.
• Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 105mg