French Onion Beef Casserole made with egg noodles, ground beef, French onion dip, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions.
I still remember the first time I made this French Onion Beef Casserole. It was one of those gray, chilly evenings where you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket, grab a fork, and call it a day. My husband had that look—you know the one—where he’s silently wondering if dinner was going to be takeout again. I wasn’t about to let that happen (although let’s be real, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional pizza night).
I started digging through the fridge. Leftover French onion dip from game day? Check. Ground beef? Check. Half a bag of egg noodles that needed saving? Bingo. And just like that, dinner came together. Total kitchen magic moment. And here’s the kicker—my kids, who treat onions like they’re toxic, loved it. Loved. I had to double-check to make sure it was real life.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe?
You ever bite into something and think, Why haven’t I made this before? That’s this casserole.
It’s got all the comfort of your grandma’s
Ingredient Notes:
Okay, before we get cooking, let’s talk ingredients. I’m all about knowing why I’m throwing things in a dish—besides “because the recipe told me so.”
- Egg Noodles (8 oz): Classic comfort pasta. They cook fast and soak up all the creamy goodness without turning to mush.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): I usually go with 80/20 beef for flavor. But you could totally swap in turkey or chicken if you’re feeling lighter.
- French Onion Dip (16 oz): This is the secret sauce. It adds that deep, oniony flavor without chopping a single onion (bless).
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz): More creamy flavor. Don’t love mushrooms? Swap for cream of chicken or even celery.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): I like sharp cheddar, but honestly, any melty cheese will work here. Use what you’ve got!
- Sour Cream (1 cup): It balances the richness and adds a little tang. You could leave it out, but you’d be missing out.
- Fried Onions (1.5 cups): Ohhh yes. That crunchy topper makes this dish what it is. Don’t skip ‘em.
How To Make French Onion Beef Casserole?
Step 1: Preheat That Oven
Go ahead and crank it to 350°F. While it’s heating, grab your favorite 10-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray—no one has time for stuck-on noodles.
Step 2: Boil the Noodles
Nothing fancy here. Follow the package directions. Drain ‘em and toss them into a big bowl. You’re gonna want room to stir.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Heat up a skillet, medium-high, and cook the ground beef until there’s no pink left. Drain the fat unless you like things really juicy. No judgment.
Step 4: Mix the Magic
In your big bowl of noodles, dump in the beef, French onion dip, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Stir until it looks like something you want to eat. This is not the time to be dainty.
Step 5: Bake Round One
Want To Save This Recipe?
Spread all that goodness into your greased dish. Smooth it out and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. Cue the amazing smells.
Step 6: Top It Off
Pull it out, sprinkle on the fried onions, and bake another 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for golden, crispy perfection.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let it cool for about 5 minutes. You’ll thank yourself for not burning your mouth on molten cheese. Trust me. Then dig in!
Storage Options:
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. The crunchy onions won’t stay crispy, but they’ll still be tasty.
Freezing? Sure! Assemble everything but hold the fried onions. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, top with onions, and bake when ready.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Switch the meat: Ground turkey or chicken totally works.
- Different dips: No French onion dip? Use sour cream + an onion soup mix packet.
- Cheese swap: Try Swiss or Gruyère for fancy French onion soup vibes.
- Gluten-free noodles/soup: Easy swap to make it gluten-free.
- Veggie boost: Toss in peas, mushrooms, or even spinach if you’re feeling healthy (ish).
What to Serve with French Onion Beef Casserole?
I usually throw together a quick side while it’s baking. Here are a few ideas:
- Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread because carbs are a lifestyle
- Steamed broccoli or green beans, for balance (ha!)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything but the fried onions, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Add onions and bake when you’re ready.
What if I hate mushrooms?
You’re not alone. Use cream of chicken soup instead!
Can I freeze it?
You bet. Just don’t bake it yet. Freeze the unbaked casserole (minus fried onions). Thaw, top with onions, and bake as directed.
So there you have it. My go-to French Onion Beef Casserole that started as a fridge cleanout and ended up being a family favorite. It’s cozy, creamy, cheesy, and a little crunchy on top. Basically, everything you need in a comfort food.
If you give it a try, drop a comment below or shoot me a message! I love hearing how you make it your own. Maybe you swapped in turkey or added extra cheese (no shame). Either way, let me know! Can’t wait to hear what you think.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
French Onion Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 16 ounces French onion dip
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a 10-inch square baking dish by lightly coating it with non-stick cooking spray.
Cook the Egg Noodles:
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook the egg noodles according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain thoroughly and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl with the drained egg noodles. Then add the French onion dip, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the surface with a spatula.
Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and beginning to bubble around the edges.
Add the Crispy Fried Onions:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top.
Final Bake:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving. This will enable the dish to set slightly and enhance its flavors.
Notes
- Egg Noodles: Substitute with gluten-free egg noodles or any preferred gluten-free pasta.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Many store-bought varieties contain gluten, so be sure to check labels or make a homemade version.
- French Onion Dip and Fried Onions: Ensure both the dip and crispy fried onions are labeled gluten-free, as these often contain gluten-based thickeners or coatings.
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!
