This bubbling, golden-brown French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish, capturing all the rich flavors of classic French onion soup in a satisfying, cheesy bake. Every bite blends sweet caramelized onions, tender noodles, hearty ground beef, and a crispy French-fried onion topping that’ll have everyone racing for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy, make-ahead meal, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of weeknight wonder that quickly becomes a cherished favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Onion Ground Beef Casserole lies in how a handful of everyday ingredients come together and create something magical. Each one plays a special role, bringing depth, softness, or just the perfect pop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to build this crowd-pleaser:
- Ground beef: The savory base; choose lean for a lighter casserole, or regular for deeper flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps caramelize the onions to golden sweetness and adds a touch of richness.
- Onion (thinly sliced): The heart of the dish, giving it layers of sweet savoriness.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Salt: Elevates every ingredient and balances sweet onions and creamy cheese.
- Black pepper: Brings gentle heat and contrast.
- Condensed French onion soup: Dials up that classic French onion flavor and moistens the casserole.
- Sour cream: Makes the filling creamy and gives the dish a little tang.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a stretchy, gooey texture.
- Shredded Swiss or provolone cheese: Adds nuttiness and gets golden-brown on top.
- Egg noodles (uncooked): The hearty foundation that soaks up all the flavors.
- Crushed French fried onions (plus more for topping): Delivers irresistible crunch and oniony punch.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to set the stage for melty goodness to come. Cook your egg noodles according to the package’s directions until just al dente. Drain them and set aside while you get started on the beef and onions. Prepping these elements now keeps everything moving smoothly once you start assembling.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat, then toss in your thinly sliced onions. Stir them gently and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re ultra soft and golden. This slow caramelization sweetness is what makes French Onion Ground Beef Casserole so truly special—it’s worth every minute.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the same skillet, sprinkling in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together until the beef is thoroughly browned and any excess grease can be drained off. Don’t rush; letting the flavors meld in the pan sets a rich foundation for the casserole.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the condensed French onion soup and simmer with the beef and onions for 2 to 3 minutes. This step infuses all that classic soup flavor throughout every bite and thickens the sauce before baking.
Step 5: Combine and Layer
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, cooked noodles, mozzarella, Swiss or provolone cheese, and half a cup of crushed French fried onions. The creamy mixture should coat the noodles and beef without turning soupy—just the right consistency for scooping into a casserole dish.
Step 6: Into the Oven
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Generously sprinkle extra crushed French fried onions over the top for that gorgeous crispy finish. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a bubbly edge and golden-brown crown—it’s your cue the casserole is ready!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once it emerges all hot and fragrant from the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you fancy a splash of color and freshness, then serve generous scoops to very eager eaters.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A bright flourish can make this casserole shine even more. I love showering the top with a little extra parsley for a touch of green or adding another sprinkle of fried onions right before serving. If you want to lean into the decadence, a thin layer of melty cheese across the top looks and tastes amazing.
Side Dishes
French Onion Ground Beef Casserole pairs up beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, roasted or steamed vegetables, or even a simple garlic bread to help mop up creamy sauce. Think fresh, colorful sides that balance out the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in ramekins, or even serve the casserole “deconstructed” with noodles and topping on the side for fun family dinners. For parties, cut the casserole into squares and skewer with frilly toothpicks for a quirky, crowd-pleasing appetizer version!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are a genuine treat rather than a compromise!
Freezing
French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is fantastic for batch cooking. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers; it’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. For best results, wait to add the fried onion topping until just before reheating, so you keep that perfect crunch.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated portions in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. For frozen casseroles, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as above. If you want extra crisp on top, uncover for the last few minutes and add a little fresh cheese or fried onions.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken are terrific lean options for French Onion Ground Beef Casserole, absorbing all the same savory flavors. You may want to add a splash more olive oil to keep things moist, but otherwise, just follow the recipe as written.
Is there a gluten-free substitute for the egg noodles?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, or even cooked rice, for the egg noodles. Be sure to check that your condensed soup and fried onions are gluten-free if you need a fully gluten-friendly dish.
Can this casserole be assembled ahead of time?
French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is ideal for prepping ahead. You can assemble it fully, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking to keep it nice and crispy!
What can I use if I don’t have French fried onions?
If those classic fried onions aren’t handy, try a mix of seasoned breadcrumbs, crisped shallots, or even a topping of buttery cracker crumbs. Each brings its own delicious crunch and texture.
How do I keep the casserole from being too runny?
Be sure to cook the noodles only until al dente, and drain any excess grease from the beef. Don’t add extra liquid or soup beyond what the recipe calls for; a thicker filling will set up perfectly in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole brings family, friends, and even picky eaters together around the dinner table for real-deal comfort and warmth. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your most-requested recipe!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with caramelized onions and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. With a creamy, flavorful sauce and a crispy topping, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss or provolone cheese
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup crushed French fried onions (plus more for topping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until soft and golden, about 10–12 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes; drain excess grease.
- Add soup and simmer: Stir in French onion soup and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Remove from heat; mix in sour cream, cooked noodles, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and crushed fried onions.
- Bake: Pour mixture into a greased baking dish, top with additional fried onions, and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For added richness, stir in 1/4 cup cream cheese with the sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
