French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe

A French Onion Beef Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with hearty beef and noodles, all in one comforting, satisfying dish. This recipe is ideal for those cozy nights when you crave something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It features ground beef, caramelized onions, a creamy sauce, noodles, and plenty of melted cheese on top for that ultimate comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The caramelized onions and savory beef create a deep, rich flavor profile.
• Comforting: This casserole has all the warmth and heartiness you need for a comforting meal.
• One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one dish, making it easy to cook and serve.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the Onions: Thinly slice two large onions. This will allow them to cook evenly and caramelize quickly.
2. Cook the Noodles: Boil a pot of water and cook the egg noodles until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Melt Butter in Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet with a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the onions in the butter.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Allow the onions to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should turn a deep golden brown as they caramelize. Adjust the heat if they start to brown too quickly.
4. Set Aside: Once caramelized, transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula.
2. Drain Excess Fat: If using a fattier beef, drain any excess grease.
3. Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add flavor. Let simmer for a few minutes until the broth reduces slightly.
4. Return Onions to the Pan: Add the caramelized onions back to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of mushroom (or onion) soup. Mix until smooth.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
3. Add Noodles and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked egg noodles and the beef mixture with onions to the bowl. Stir everything together until well-combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Mixture: Spread the beef and noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Add the Topping

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
2. Add Fried Onions: Scatter the French-fried onions on top of the cheese layer for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
2. Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

1. Fresh Salad: Pair the casserole with a green salad for a lighter, refreshing contrast.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to balance the rich flavors.
3. Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or dinner roll is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Onions for Maximum Flavor: Caramelizing fresh onions takes time but makes a big difference in flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles Just Until Al Dente: They’ll cook further in the oven, so avoid overcooking them during boiling.
3. Drain the Beef If Needed: Excess grease can make the casserole too oily, so drain it if using higher-fat beef.

Variations

1. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a hint of heat.
2. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
3. Add Extra Veggies: Stir in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free egg noodles and check that your soup and fried onions are gluten-free to make this casserole gluten-friendly.

3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken soup or a homemade creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and milk can work well as a replacement.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, blending savory flavors with a creamy, cheesy texture and a satisfying crunch from the fried onions. The caramelized onions bring out a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and rich sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Yield: 6

French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe

Print

A French Onion Beef Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with hearty beef and noodles, all in one comforting, satisfying dish. This recipe is ideal for those cozy nights when you crave something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It features ground beef, caramelized onions, a creamy sauce, noodles, and plenty of melted cheese on top for that ultimate comfort food experience.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 3 cups cooked egg noodles
• ½ cup crushed French-fried onions, for topping
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, drain excess fat, and set aside.
   
3. Sauté Onions:
   In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and caramelized.
   
4. Make the Sauce:
   Add the French onion soup mix, beef broth, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet with the onions. Stir until well combined, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
5. Combine with Beef and Noodles:
   Add the cooked beef back to the skillet, along with the cooked egg noodles. Stir to evenly coat everything in the sauce.
   
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the beef and noodle mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
   
7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
8. Add Topping and Finish:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crushed French-fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the onions are golden and crispy.
   
9. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Variations: Add mushrooms or green beans for extra veggies, or swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery soup for a different flavor.