Introduction:
A comforting and savory casserole that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection with a golden French fried onion topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until caramelized.
- Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, sour cream, and half of the Swiss cheese. Mix until well coated.
- Pour the beef and onion mixture into the bowl and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, and French fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm.
Variations:
- Cheese Options: Swap the Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or use cheddar for a sharper taste. If you prefer a creamier casserole, mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
- Noodle Alternatives: Replace egg noodles with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or green beans to incorporate more vegetables and make the dish heartier.
Cooking Notes :
- Caramelizing the Onions: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. Low and slow cooking enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the beef and onion mixture before adding it to the noodles. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce to balance flavors.
- Broth Consistency: If the mixture seems too liquidy, let it simmer for an extra minute or two to reduce slightly. This ensures the casserole isn’t overly soggy.
Serving Suggestions :
- Side Pairings: Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll complements the flavors perfectly.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top after baking for a fresh, vibrant finish. These add color and a subtle herbaceous note.
- Accompaniments: Pair the casserole with a light soup, such as tomato basil or clear vegetable broth, for a cozy, complete meal.
Tips :
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
- Even Topping Distribution: Crush the French fried onions slightly before sprinkling to ensure an even layer that crisps up beautifully.
- Reheating: For leftovers, reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) to maintain the crispy topping. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Keep in mind that they have a milder flavor, so you may want to increase the seasoning slightly for a richer taste. - Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free French fried onions. Check the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they are gluten-free as well. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the oven or microwave until warmed through, covering loosely to prevent the topping from becoming too hard. - Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Conclusion:
French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory beef, caramelized onions, and cheesy noodles into a rich and satisfying dish. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping. Whether served on a cozy weeknight or as part of a larger gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this classic dish!
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French Onion Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and savory casserole that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection with a golden French fried onion topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until caramelized.
- Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, sour cream, and half of the Swiss cheese. Mix until well coated.
- Pour the beef and onion mixture into the bowl and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, and French fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, French onion casserole, cheesy beef bake, comfort food