Crispy French Fried Onions – Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Crispy French Fried Onions casserole. Is exactly what you need! Packed with creamy, savory flavors. It’s made with ground beef. Egg noodles, and cheddar cheese. And topped off. With the satisfying crunch of fried onions. Ideal for busy weeknights. Or potlucks!
The first time I made this casserole. I wasn’t sure how the family would react. To a new twist on a classic. But the second they smelled the onions. Crisping up in the oven. They were snagged! My husband went back for seconds. And my kids couldn’t stop raving. About how cheesy. And delicious it was. Now, it’s become a go-to dish. When we need something simple yet satisfying.
What makes this Crispy French Fried Onions truly special?
This dish blends the richness of ground beef. With the creamy texture of French onion dip. And cream of mushroom soup. Creating a flavor-packed casserole. That’s easy to throw together. What truly sets this dish apart? Is the crispy fried onion topping. Which adds the perfect texture. And crunch. To every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. And can be adjusted. With different cheeses. Or meats.
What You Need To Make This Crispy French Fried Onions Recipe?
Egg Noodles: These noodles bring that soft, comforting texture to the dish. Acting as a perfect base. For all the creamy goodness. They soak up all the delicious flavors. Making each bite a cozy experience. I love how they stay tender. Without getting too soggy. Even after baking.
Ground Beef: The heart of this casserole. I prefer using lean ground beef. To keep things balanced—just enough fat for flavor. But not too greasy. You could switch it up. With ground turkey. Or even a plant-based option. If you’re feeling adventurous.
French Onion Dip: Now, this is where the magic happens. The French onion dip adds an extra layer of savory, tangy goodness. It’s creamy. And brings that familiar oniony flavor. That pairs so well. With the beef and noodles. I promise. This secret ingredient. Will take your casserole to the next level!
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Ah, the classic ingredient. That every casserole needs! It gives the dish a rich, velvety texture. Blending everything together perfectly. I love how it adds that earthy flavor. From the mushrooms. Without being too overwhelming. Plus, it’s so easy. To keep on hand.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar for the win! I love using a good sharp cheddar in this recipe. Because it adds that irresistible gooey, melty factor. The stronger flavor of sharp cheddar. Balances all the creamy ingredients. Giving the dish. A little extra punch.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream. Is what brings a delightful tang. To this casserole. It helps cut through the richness. And adds that creamy texture. We crave in comfort food. If you’re feeling fancy. You could swap it for Greek yogurt. But I personally love the traditional route.
Fried Onions: The crispy, crunchy topping. That makes this casserole so special. These fried onions add that final layer of texture. Breaking through all the creaminess. With a satisfying crunch. They’re the hero of this dish. And I dare say the reason. My family asks for seconds (or thirds!).
Steps To Make Crispy French Fried Onions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). And give a 10-inch square baking dish. A light coat of nonstick spray. This ensures your casserole. Slides right out. When it’s done.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles: While the oven heats up. Cook your egg noodles. Following the package directions. Drain them well. And toss them. In a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Brown the Beef: In a skillet. Cook the ground beef. Over medium-high heat. Until it’s beautifully browned. Making sure to break it up. As it cooks. Once it’s done. Drain any excess grease. And set aside.
Step 4: Mix it All Together: Add the French onion dip, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. To the noodles. Stir everything together. Until it’s perfectly creamy. Next, fold in the grated cheddar cheese. And browned beef.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole: Transfer this dreamy mixture. Into your prepared baking dish. Spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven. For 25 minutes. Until everything is bubbling. And golden.
Step 6: Finish with Crispy Onions: Pull the dish. From the oven. And top it with crispy fried onions. Return to the oven. For another 5-10 minutes. Just enough time. For the onions. To get that golden crunch.
Step 7: Let It Rest: Give the casserole. About 5 minutes. To cool before digging in. It’ll make the flavors meld. And be easier to serve.
Tip:
When you’re layering everything together. Don’t skip on mixing the ingredients well. You want every bite. To have a bit of that creamy French onion dip. And the savory beef. And for extra flavor. Consider using a sharp cheddar cheese—it gives the casserole a bolder, more tangy taste. That balances beautifully. With the creamy ingredients. Plus, if you’re a fan of spice. Sprinkle a dash of cayenne. Into the beef mixture before baking. To give it a little kick!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken. Or even plant-based alternatives. If you prefer.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole. And store it in the fridge. For up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the fried onions. Right before baking. To keep them crispy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. And use gluten-free French onion dip. And cream of mushroom soup. To easily convert this. Into a gluten-free dish.
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Crispy French Fried Onions
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 16 oz French onion dip
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 c sour cream
- 1 1/2 c crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). And lightly grease. A 10-inch square baking dish. With nonstick spray.
- Cook the egg noodles. According to the package instructions. Once done, drain them. And set them aside. In a large mixing bowl.
- In a skillet. Over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef. Until fully browned. With no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease. From the skillet.
- Add the French onion dip. Along with condensed cream of mushroom soup. And sour cream. To the cooked noodles. Stirring until combined. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. And browned ground beef.
- Transfer the mixture. To the prepared baking dish. Spreading it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes. Or until the top. Turns golden brown. And the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove the dish. From the oven. And sprinkle the fried onions. Evenly on top. Return it to the oven. For another 5-10 minutes. Until the onions are crispy.
- Let the casserole cool. For about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together. And makes it easier. To serve. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
