French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors, this French Onion Beef Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining the hearty goodness of ground beef, tender pasta, and the unmistakable flavor of caramelized onions, this dish is finished with a cheesy, crispy topping. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or as a make-ahead meal. Read on for a detailed recipe, tips, and variations for this delicious casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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What is French Onion Beef Casserole?

French Onion Beef Casserole is a comforting, savory dish that brings together the flavors of French onion soup and a classic beef casserole. The dish features ground beef cooked with onions, seasoned with a rich beefy flavor, and combined with pasta. It’s then topped with melted cheese and crispy fried onions for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal. This dish has the hearty texture of a casserole with the bold, rich flavors you’d expect from a French onion soup.

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Ingredients List for French Onion Beef Casserole

Before you start, gather all your ingredients for a smooth cooking process. Most of these items are pantry staples and can be easily found in any grocery store.

Basic Ingredients:

1. Ground Beef (1 lb) – Use lean ground beef for a healthier version, or regular ground beef for richer flavor.
2. Yellow Onions (2 large, thinly sliced) – Caramelized onions provide the signature flavor in this dish.
3. Egg Noodles (2 cups, uncooked) – Wide egg noodles work best for their tender texture.
4. Beef Broth (1 cup) – For that deep, savory beef flavor.
5. French Onion Soup Mix (1 packet) – Intensifies the onion flavor while seasoning the entire dish.
6. Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – Adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole together.
7. Sour Cream (½ cup) – For richness and a creamy texture.
8. Shredded Swiss or Gruyère Cheese (2 cups) – These cheeses have a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with onions and beef.
9. Butter (2 tablespoons) – For caramelizing the onions and adding richness.
10. Crispy Fried Onions (1 cup) – For a crunchy, flavorful topping.
11. Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds a deeper flavor to the onions and beef mixture.
12. Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – For cooking the onions and beef.
13. Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings for the dish.

Optional Ingredients:

1. Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds an extra depth of flavor to the ground beef.
2. Thyme (½ teaspoon, dried or fresh) – A herb that complements the beef and onions.
3. Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, shredded) – For an additional cheesy, crispy top layer.

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about casseroles is their flexibility. Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit different dietary needs or preferences.

Substitutions:

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your French onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup are also gluten-free.
4. Cream of Chicken Soup: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery.

Variations:

1. French Onion Chicken Casserole: Replace the ground beef with shredded or diced cooked chicken for a chicken variation of this dish.
2. Cheesy Garlic Twist: Add more minced garlic and top with a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella for a garlicky, cheesy twist.
3. Loaded French Onion Casserole: Mix in cooked bacon bits and top with extra cheese and green onions for a loaded version.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect French Onion Beef Casserole.

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions:

In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Add the minced garlic in the last 5 minutes of cooking, then set the mixture aside.

3. Cook the Ground Beef:

In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add it in now for extra flavor. Drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper. Set the beef aside with the caramelized onions.

4. Cook the Egg Noodles:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, French onion soup mix, caramelized onions, and cooked ground beef. Stir until everything is well mixed. Taste the mixture and add more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Combine with Pasta:

Add the cooked egg noodles to the mixture and gently toss to coat the noodles evenly with the beef and onion mixture.

7. Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese, followed by a layer of crispy fried onions.

8. Bake the Casserole:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.

9. Let It Rest:

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to portion out.

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How to Cook French Onion Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook onions until golden and sweet.
2. Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef with garlic and seasonings.
3. Cook the Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles until al dente.
4. Mix the Casserole Base: Combine beef, onions, cream soup, sour cream, and French onion soup mix.
5. Assemble: Mix with noodles, top with cheese and crispy onions, and bake.
6. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes and serve hot.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing the Caramelization: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. Cooking them low and slow brings out the sweet, rich flavor that makes this dish stand out.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook your egg noodles just until al dente. They’ll continue to cook a bit in the oven, so you don’t want them to be too soft before baking.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Taste the beef and onion mixture before assembling the casserole. Add salt and pepper as needed to ensure the dish is well-seasoned.
• Not Using Enough Cheese: The cheese adds richness to this dish. Don’t skimp on it—more cheese equals more flavor and gooey goodness.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

French Onion Beef Casserole is a hearty, rustic dish that doesn’t require much fuss when it comes to serving. However, you can elevate it with some simple garnishes and sides.

How to Serve French Onion Beef Casserole:

1. Family-Style: Serve directly from the baking dish with a large spoon for easy, family-style dining.
2. With Sides: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad, crusty French bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for French Onion Beef Casserole:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Extra Cheese on Top: Just before serving, grate some Parmesan over the top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

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French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: French Onion Beef Casserole freezes well. Prepare the casserole but don’t add the crispy onions. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, add the crispy onions, and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for individual servings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate

it before baking. Just increase the bake time by 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze French Onion Beef Casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze the casserole before baking (but don’t add the fried onions yet). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the crispy onions, and bake as directed.

3. What type of cheese works best for this casserole?

Swiss or Gruyère cheese works best for their nutty, slightly sweet flavors. You can also use mozzarella or cheddar for a different take on the dish.

4. How long does this casserole last in the fridge?

Leftover casserole can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

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Conclusion

French Onion Beef Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its rich, savory flavors, tender pasta, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing meals in advance, or just craving something warm and hearty, this casserole delivers in both flavor and convenience. Give it a try today, and enjoy the comforting combination of French onion soup and a classic beef casserole!

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