French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is one of those dishes that brings the comfort of home right to your dinner table. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, perfectly blending the hearty goodness of ground beef and noodles with the iconic taste of French onion soup. This casserole is a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. Not only is it a great way to use up pantry staples, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love, making it ideal for gatherings and family dinners alike.
Why you’ll love this dish
So, what makes this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole a must-make? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to whip up and requires minimal prep time. With simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent but is budget-friendly. It’s perfect for a cozy weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, and the cheesy, crunchy topping elevates the dish to something special.
“This casserole was a hit at our family gathering! It was creamy, flavorful, and disappeared within minutes. I especially loved the crunchy onion topping!” – A happy customer.
Step-by-step overview
Making this casserole is a breeze! You’ll start by caramelizing onions to get that lovely rich flavor, then combine everything in one pot for a seamless cooking experience. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Sauté onions and garlic until golden and fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef and mix in the creamy ingredients.
- Fold in your cooked noodles and bake until bubbly and golden.
It’s really that simple!
What you’ll need
Gather these items to create your own warm and hearty casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crispy French fried onions (divided)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Feel free to swap the ground beef with turkey or even a plant-based option if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian version of this delicious meal!
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the sliced onions until they are caramelized and golden, about 10–12 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Next, stir in your ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything together well, then fold in the cooked noodles and 1 cup of fried onions.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this delightful casserole warm, and consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an added touch, a dollop of sour cream on top can bring extra creaminess. Enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine for a more sophisticated twist!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. If you’re looking to freeze it, it’s best to freeze before backing. Just cover tightly and store for up to three months.
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t rush the onions. Caramelizing them slowly brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish.
- Feel free to play with cheese. While mozzarella and Swiss are great options, feel free to experiment with cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Creative twists
Want to give this casserole a fresh spin? Consider adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch or incorporating spinach for a healthier option. You can also try different herbs, like rosemary or Italian seasoning, for a flavor boost. Change up the fried onions with crushed potato chips for a crunchier topping!
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this casserole will take about 45 minutes to prepare and bake.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works great, and for a vegetarian option, lentils or chickpeas can easily replace beef while still providing satisfying protein.
With this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole, you’re well on your way to making a dish that’s not only delicious but also loved by everyone around your dining table. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!
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French Onion Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Mixed
Description
A rich, creamy casserole blending the hearty goodness of ground beef and noodles with the iconic taste of French onion soup. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crispy French fried onions (divided)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the sliced onions until they are caramelized and golden, about 10–12 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in your ground beef and cook until browned, draining any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well, then fold in the cooked noodles and 1 cup of fried onions.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
This dish is easily customizable; consider swapping out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based option if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, family dinner, French onion