Introduction:

A cozy and comforting dish, this French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole is packed with savory ground beef, caramelized onions, egg noodles, and a rich French onion sauce. Topped with melted Swiss cheese, it’s the ultimate casserole for a hearty meal your family will love.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cups egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are caramelized and golden brown.
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the egg noodles, French onion soup, and beef broth. Mix until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded Swiss cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variation:

Swap Ground Beef for Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner version of this casserole, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Both options will provide a similar texture and absorb the French onion flavor beautifully. Turkey will give a slightly milder taste compared to beef, but it’s still rich and satisfying. Be sure to brown the turkey or chicken well for maximum flavor.
Add Vegetables for More Nutrients: To enhance the nutritional value and add a pop of color to the casserole, consider mixing in some vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Mushrooms will blend seamlessly with the beef and onions, adding an earthy depth to the dish, while spinach will bring in extra vitamins and a nice green color. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness of the casserole.
Use Different Noodles: While egg noodles are classic for casseroles, you can experiment with other pasta types. Penne, fusilli, or rotini can all work well in this dish, and their shapes can help capture the sauce and cheese. If you want a gluten-free version, simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta, and choose a gluten-free French onion soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Change the Cheese: Swiss cheese is the ideal topping for this casserole, but if you’re craving a different flavor profile, you can easily swap it for Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella. Gruyère adds a nutty, savory taste, while cheddar offers a sharper, tangier flavor. For an extra cheesy experience, consider mixing different cheeses together for a unique twist!

Cooking Notes:

For an extra cheesy dish, feel free to add more Swiss cheese on top!
You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, like penne or rotini.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use lean ground turkey instead of beef.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a Light Salad: A fresh side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of this casserole. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette, or a tangy Caesar salad. The acidity and freshness of the salad help to balance out the hearty, cheesy casserole, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can bring a lovely caramelized flavor that complements the richness of the casserole. Roasted veggies also provide a bit of crunch and freshness, enhancing the texture and adding more nutrients to the meal. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper will elevate the flavor.
Add a Side of Garlic Bread: There’s something about garlic bread that just makes casseroles even better. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for dipping into the rich French onion sauce, and it offers a nice textural contrast to the soft, cheesy casserole. Make sure to serve the garlic bread warm so it can soak up all the savory goodness.
Serve with Pickled Veggies: If you want a tangy element to cut through the richness of the casserole, consider serving a small bowl of pickled vegetables on the side. Pickled cucumbers, onions, or even pickled jalapeños can add a refreshing contrast to the meal. The acidity and slight heat from the pickles enhance the flavor of the casserole while providing a delightful balance.

Tips:

Use Low-Sodium Broth and Soup: If you’re concerned about the sodium content in this dish, opt for low-sodium beef broth and French onion soup. This way, you still get all the flavor without the extra salt. Once combined, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or extra Worcestershire sauce to ensure the casserole is flavorful.
Freeze for Later: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, freeze it, and then bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it. After assembling the casserole (but before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Freezing makes this a convenient, ready-to-go meal on busy nights.
Customize the Meat: While ground beef is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with different meats or even a meatless version. Ground chicken or turkey will provide a leaner alternative, while adding some ground pork will increase the richness and flavor. For a vegetarian option, try adding crumbled tempeh or a combination of mushrooms and lentils to mimic the texture of meat.
Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the beef mixture. Jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce will bring a spicy kick that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy texture of the casserole. Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
Leftovers Are Delicious: This casserole makes excellent leftovers! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or re-bake the casserole in the oven until heated through.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake, just cook as usual—though it might need an extra 5-10 minutes if baked from the fridge or frozen.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese gives a rich, slightly nutty flavor, you can swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, or even Gruyère cheese for a different taste. Cheddar will make it a bit sharper, while mozzarella will add a milder, gooey texture.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with any pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta all work great and hold up well in casseroles. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become too soft while baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the egg noodles and French onion soup. However, you can easily swap in gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free French onion soup to make this dish suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion:

This French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole is a perfect combination of savory flavors, cheesy goodness, and hearty comfort. The caramelized onions, ground beef, and French onion soup create a rich, delicious base, while the melted Swiss cheese and egg noodles bring it all together in a satisfying, one-dish meal. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a cozy night in, or preparing ahead for busy days, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Plus, with its flexibility for substitutions and variations, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Enjoy!

French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole

Author: Avery
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cups egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are caramelized and golden brown.
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the egg noodles, French onion soup, and beef broth. Mix until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded Swiss cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For an extra cheesy dish, feel free to add more Swiss cheese on top!
You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, like penne or rotini.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use lean ground turkey instead of beef.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, noodle casserole, beef casserole