This French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole brings together the savory flavors of caramelized onions, hearty beef, and melty Swiss cheese to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. The ease of preparation and the delightful fusion of flavors make this casserole a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly season the beef and onions.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked noodles, beef and onion mixture, French onion soup, and beef broth until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Variation
- For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms for additional umami flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the onions are thoroughly caramelized for maximum flavor.
- You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper after combining all ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the meal.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- A glass of red wine complements the flavors well.
Tips
- Cook the noodles slightly under al dente if you plan to bake longer than 30 minutes.
- Grate your own cheese for better melting and texture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~350 per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze the casserole?
Answer: Yes, allow it to cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - Can I use a different type of noodle?
Answer: Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as bow ties or penne. - How can I make this vegetarian?
Answer: Substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. - Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Answer: Yes, one clove of minced garlic can substitute for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich layers of flavor in this French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole, where each bite offers a comforting taste of caramelized onions, juicy beef, and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy nights, this dish will quickly become a staple, providing warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort. Share this meal with loved ones and elevate your dinner experience with ease.
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French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole brings together the savory flavors of caramelized onions, hearty beef, and melty Swiss cheese to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. The ease of preparation and the delightful fusion of flavors make this casserole a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly season the beef and onions.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked noodles, beef and onion mixture, French onion soup, and beef broth until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyere for a more traditional French onion flavor.
- Feel free to add a pinch of thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: ~350 per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: French onion, casserole, ground beef, noodles, comfort food
