French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Beef Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese with hearty ground beef and tender egg noodles. It’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked al dente
• 2 large onions (yellow or sweet), thinly sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
• Optional:
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• ¼ cup red wine (for deglazing the onions)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• ½ cup French bread croutons (for a crunchy topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized—about 20 to 25 minutes. If using, add the red wine during the last few minutes to deglaze the pan.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper with the onions. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: In a separate pan, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
5. Step 5: Combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized onions with the cooked beef. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked egg noodles to the beef mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese has melted.
9. Step 9: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crispy fried onions—and optional croutons—on top for a crunchy finish.
10. Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Add a splash of red wine while caramelizing the onions to deepen the flavor.
• Incorporate sliced mushrooms or cooked bacon into the beef mixture for extra savory layers.
• Substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a different taste profile.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. For best texture, add crispy onions or croutons fresh just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Bake it when you’re ready, adding extra time as it will be cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup or make a simple mushroom sauce from scratch by sautéing mushrooms in butter, adding cream and seasoning to taste.

French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

This French Onion Beef Casserole combines rich caramelized onions, tender ground beef, and creamy mushroom soup with cheesy egg noodles baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting, savory dish perfect for family dinners, featuring layers of flavor enhanced by Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and optional mushrooms or bacon. Crispy fried onions top the casserole for a delightful crunch.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or substitute ground turkey or chicken)
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked al dente
• 2 large onions (yellow or sweet), thinly sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup crispy fried onions, for topping

Optional Ingredients

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup red wine (for deglazing onions)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• ½ cup French bread croutons, for crunchy topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until caramelized and golden brown. If using, add red wine during the last few minutes to deglaze and enrich the flavor.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into the caramelized onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the aromas.
4. Brown Ground Beef: In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
5. Combine Mixture: Add the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and the caramelized onion mixture to the browned beef. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
6. Add Noodles: Fold in the cooked egg noodles to the beef and onion mixture until everything is evenly mixed.
7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted completely.
9. Add Crunchy Toppings: During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crispy fried onions and optional French bread croutons on top for added texture and crunch. Return to oven to finish baking.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine while caramelizing onions to deglaze and enrich taste.
• Mushrooms and bacon can be included in the beef mixture for additional savory layers.
• Swap Gruyère cheese with mozzarella or cheddar to change the cheese profile based on preference.
• Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning beef to avoid greasy casserole.
• Make sure onions are well caramelized to bring out the sweet, rich flavor characteristic of French onion dishes.

Keywords: French onion beef casserole, beef casserole, creamy beef casserole, baked egg noodles, comfort food, caramelized onions casserole