Introduction
French Onion Beef & Potato Bake combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions, seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted Swiss cheese into a comforting, one-dish meal. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or an impressive potluck offering.
Description
A savory and satisfying layered casserole of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, golden caramelized onions, and gooey Swiss cheese, all baked to perfection in flavorful beef broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and caramelize for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brown ground beef in another pan, seasoning with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, followed by half of the onions and ground beef. Repeat the layers.
- Pour beef broth evenly over the layers to cover the potatoes.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with shredded Swiss cheese, and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and tender.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Variation
- Cheesy Twist: Add a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for extra richness. Layer the cheese between the potatoes for a gooey surprise in every bite.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. Pair with a pepper jack cheese topping for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe.
- For a more robust flavor, try adding Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the beef.
Serving Suggestions
- Family Dinner: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. Add crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
- Potluck Favorite: Present in the same baking dish for easy serving. Garnish generously with parsley for a vibrant finish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Comfort Food Night: Pair with a glass of robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the savory flavors. For non-alcoholic options, a rich black tea or sparkling water with a lemon twist complements the dish nicely.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the initial cooking time.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Customizable Layers: Add your favorite vegetables like thinly sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers for added nutrients and variety.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavor, you can substitute Gruyère, cheddar, or a cheese blend of your choice for a unique twist. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure the beef broth you use is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy dish to adapt. - What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their balance of starchiness and ability to hold their shape during baking. - Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Conclusion
French Onion Beef & Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and caramelized onions, all smothered in melty Swiss cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. With its customizable layers and make-ahead convenience, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
French Onion Beef & Potato Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A savory and satisfying layered casserole of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, golden caramelized onions, and gooey Swiss cheese, all baked to perfection in flavorful beef broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and caramelize for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brown ground beef in another pan, seasoning with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, followed by half of the onions and ground beef. Repeat the layers.
- Pour beef broth evenly over the layers to cover the potatoes.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with shredded Swiss cheese, and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and tender.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe.
- For a more robust flavor, try adding Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: French Onion Beef Casserole, Potato Bake, Ground Beef Dinner, Easy Comfort Food