French Onion Beef Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—savory, creamy, cheesy, and filling. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. The rich French onion flavor adds a gourmet twist to a classic beef casserole, while the gooey cheese and tender noodles make it irresistible. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and reheats like a dream.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef
• Wide egg noodles or pasta of choice
• French onion soup (canned or homemade)
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• French fried onions
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (for browning)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes until well combined.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and mix until evenly coated with the beef mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
9. Remove from oven, top with French fried onions, and bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden brown.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, peas, or green beans for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère or provolone instead of mozzarella for a more authentic French onion flavor.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute beef with leaner meats for a lighter version.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F, covered with foil, for 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Freezer: Freeze fully baked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts well, but Swiss or Gruyère enhance the French onion flavor more authentically.

Can I use homemade French onion soup?

Absolutely. Homemade soup will add even richer, more complex flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Wide egg noodles are traditional, but penne, rotini, or fusilli work well too.

Can I make it without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, substitute with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce if preferred.

How do I keep the French fried onions crispy?

Add them at the end of baking so they don’t get soggy during the initial cook.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and soups to make it suitable.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

This recipe is best baked, but you can prepare the beef mixture in a slow cooker and stir in cooked pasta before serving.

What can I serve with French Onion Beef Casserole?

A side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread pairs nicely with this dish.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with layers of flavor, rich sauce, and a satisfying cheesy finish. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a busy week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious—what more could you ask for?

French Onion Beef Casserole

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French Onion Beef Casserole is a cozy, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender noodles, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, all finished with crispy fried onions. A comforting, crowd-pleasing bake perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Fold in cooked noodles and stir until evenly coated.
6. Transfer the beef and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
9. Top with French fried onions and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Add vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or peas for extra nutrition.
• Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or provolone for richer flavor.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and soup alternatives.
• Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg