There’s something irresistibly cozy about a hot, cheesy, and flavorful casserole, and this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes. It combines the deep sweetness of caramelized onions with hearty ground beef, tender noodles, and that unmistakable crispy crunch of French fried onions on top. Comfort food fans, this one is for you—easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of savory flavor, adding creaminess, or delivering that delightful contrast in textures.
- 1 lb ground beef: The protein-packed base that brings hearty richness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the onions to golden caramelized perfection.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Caramelizes into a sweet, fragrant melody that defines the French onion flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic warmth, balancing the sweetness of the onions.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Creates a silky, creamy background that binds everything deliciously.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Infuses a luscious tang while keeping the casserole moist and rich.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth with every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami making the beef and onions even more irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herbal note that complements the savory components beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or pasta of choice): Tender, comforting, and the perfect canvas for the creamy mixture.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Melts golden and gooey, creating that dreamy cheese pull.
- 1 1/2 cups crispy French fried onions (divided): Adds the signature crunch that makes this casserole stand out.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A touch of bright greenery to finish the dish visually and tastefully.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This preps your cooking space so everything bakes evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly until they turn golden and caramelized, about 10 to 12 minutes. This step transforms ordinary onions into a sweet, luscious layer that’s pure magic. Toss in the minced garlic toward the end and sauté for another minute or two to awaken those flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully done, making sure to break up any large chunks. This ensures every bite has tender, savory meat. If there’s excess grease, drain it to keep the casserole from getting too oily.
Step 4: Combine the Creamy Mixture
To the beef and onion mixture, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mixing these brings together a creamy, savory sauce that coats every noodle and morsel deliciously. Fold in the cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of the crispy French fried onions, giving everything a beautiful textural contrast inside.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the shredded cheese in a generous layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions over the top to add that irresistible crunch after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling sauce and a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping that screams dinner is ready.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch faces light up as everyone digs into this luscious French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish—it brightens the dish and adds a pleasant herbal note. For extra flair, a handful of additional crispy French fried onions sprinkled on top right before serving gives a fresh crunch that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also complement the creamy savory flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in cute ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. Or, layer with caramelized onions and cheese in a clear glass baking dish to show off the beautiful layers before baking—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this casserole again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbling again. You can add a few extra French fried onions on top before reheating for renewed crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Swiss cheese melt beautifully and complement the flavors, feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or even a blend for a unique twist on this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe.
What type of noodles works best in this recipe?
Egg noodles are classic here because they hold sauce well and have a nice bite, but any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will work perfectly. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or skip meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms and extra onions for that rich umami punch without meat.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and confirm that the cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions are gluten-free versions. There are many brands now offering great gluten-free substitutes.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or mix some diced jalapeños into the beef mixture for a subtle kick. Spicing it up adds an exciting layer of flavor to your French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that is both simple and sensational, this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation. The blend of textures, the depth of flavor, and the satisfying warmth make it a true home-cooked treasure. So pull out your skillet, gather those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring caramelized onions, tender ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender egg noodles all baked together with melted cheese and crispy fried onions on top for an irresistible crunch. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors with a creamy texture and a crunchy topping that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main 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)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté for about 10–12 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off excess grease if necessary to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly. Then gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of the crispy French fried onions to combine evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the mixture out. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese over the top, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy French fried onions for an extra crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is fully melted, and the top is slightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Using freshly caramelized onions adds deep flavor, but you can shortcut with frozen caramelized onions if pressed for time.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with Swiss or cheddar cheese as preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat sour cream.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready to serve.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
