Name: French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cups cooked egg noodles; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese; 1 cup crispy fried onions; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving pure comfort in a casserole dish, the French Onion Ground Beef Casserole will win your heart in just one bite. Imagine mouthwatering caramelized onions woven through savory ground beef, tossed in a creamy sauce, crowned with gooey melted cheese, and finished off with a crispy, golden topping. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed nod to the iconic French onion soup blended seamlessly with the warmth of a classic casserole, making every weeknight dinner feel a little more special and deliciously nostalgic.

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of humble ingredients, each bringing something special—richness, texture, or decadent flavor! Gather these kitchen favorites and you’ll see how they transform into a bubbly, crave-worthy casserole.

Ground beef: Provides a savory, protein-rich base that keeps the casserole deeply satisfying.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions to golden perfection and adding a smooth layer of flavor.
Yellow onion (thinly sliced): Essential for creating those sweet, caramelized threads reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
Garlic (minced): Adds just the right touch of aroma and depth that makes each bite pop.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The secret weapon for that unmistakable creamy texture that binds everything together.
Sour cream: Offers tanginess and richness, balancing mild notes with a subtle zing.
Beef broth: Deepens the overall flavor, giving that cozy, slow-simmered taste in every forkful.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a bold, umami punch that enhances both the beef and onions beautifully.
Dried thyme: Bring a gentle earthiness that complements the richness of the sauce.
Cooked egg noodles: These noodles soak up all that goodness while staying tender and hearty.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stretchy pools throughout the casserole.
Shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese: Offers nutty sophistication with classic French undertones.
Crispy fried onions: Delivers irresistible crunch and bursts of flavor right on top.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring out all the savory notes and balance flavors.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by turning on your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this little step guarantees an easy serving later and helps prevent any precious bits from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and let them work their magic, stirring occasionally for around 10–12 minutes. Watch as they turn gorgeously golden and intensely fragrant—this is the secret that infuses your French Onion Ground Beef Casserole with its rich, signature flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Depth

Once those onions are perfectly caramelized, stir in the minced garlic. Just a minute is all it takes for the garlic to release its aroma and mingle with those sweet onions. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set it aside while you move on to the beef.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

In the now-empty skillet, add your ground beef. Let it brown up nicely, using your spatula to break it into bite-sized crumbles. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat—this keeps your casserole luscious, not greasy.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and those beautiful caramelized onions with garlic. Give everything a hearty stir so the beef is coated in that dreamy, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—it’s all coming together!

Step 6: Fold in Noodles and Cheese

Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, along with half the mozzarella and half the Swiss or Gruyère cheese. Gently fold everything together, making sure each noodle is enveloped in the creamy, cheesy, beefy sauce.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer this delicious mixture to your prepared dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella and Swiss (or Gruyère), then scatter the crispy fried onions over the top. Slide into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and gorgeously golden.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Let your French Onion Ground Beef Casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps all those amazing flavors settle together and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

For a touch of color and freshness, top your casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. If you’re feeling extra-fancy, an extra pinch of crispy fried onions makes each serving downright irresistible!

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness by pairing it with something light and bright. A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans keep things crisp and fresh next to your French Onion Ground Beef Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in mini ramekins for a dinner party, or bring the whole bubbling dish straight to the table for a family-style feast. For a cozy twist, spoon the casserole into shallow bowls and serve with crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors only get deeper and richer as it sits!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your French Onion Ground Beef Casserole! After baking and cooling, wrap tightly with foil or use a freezer-safe container. It stays delicious for up to 2 months—just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). For a quick fix, microwave individual portions, then sprinkle on a few extra crispy onions for that just-baked crunch.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken make excellent lighter options. Just make sure to season generously to keep all those savory notes thriving in your French Onion Ground Beef Casserole.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can swap in cream of chicken soup or even homemade béchamel sauce if you prefer. The flavor will change slightly, but the casserole will still be creamy and comforting.

How do I keep the fried onions crispy?

Add the fried onions during the last 5–10 minutes of baking to keep them extra crispy, or sprinkle a few more on top right before serving for added crunch!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely—prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes since it’ll be starting from cold.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free condensed soup. Check that the crispy fried onions are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a fantastic gluten-free French Onion Ground Beef Casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so soul-warming about a bubbling dish of French Onion Ground Beef Casserole coming out of the oven. It’s true comfort food, easy enough for a busy evening but special enough to share with the people you love. Give it a try and let it be your new favorite casserole night hero!

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole that combines savory ground beef, caramelized onions, creamy mushroom sauce, and gooey cheeses for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For Caramelized Onions:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups cooked egg noodles
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
1 cup crispy fried onions
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onions until golden, then add garlic. Set aside.
Prepare Casserole: Brown ground beef in the skillet. Add soup, sour cream, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and caramelized onions. Season. Mix in noodles and half of the cheeses.
Bake: Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and fried onions. Bake until golden. Rest before serving.