Description
This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining caramelized onions, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender egg noodles, all topped with melted cheese and crispy French fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and 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 onions and sauté for 10–12 minutes until they become caramelized and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Mix Creamy Base: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme into the beef and onion mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly, then gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of the crispy French fried onions.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, then add the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the mixture is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- You can swap egg noodles with any pasta of your choice or even cooked rice for a different texture.
- Using fresh French fried onions right before serving ensures they stay crispy; avoid mixing all in before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated; just add fried onions just before baking to maintain their texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
