Description
Get ready to indulge in a delightfully comforting dish that’s sure to warm your soul – the mouthwatering French Onion Beef Casserole! This hearty and flavorful creation is the perfect choice for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or anytime you crave a satisfying meal. With layers of tender ground beef, caramelized onions, creamy sauces, and melted cheese, it’s a true comfort food masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked egg noodles
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounce) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional, for deglazing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch baking dish. This will ensure your French Onion Beef Casserole bakes up beautifully, with no sticking or mess.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions (and mushrooms, if using) and cook them until they’re soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine, which will add an extra layer of depth to the flavor.
3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Drain any excess fat, then season the beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, the beef-onion mixture, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Mix everything together until well-incorporated, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions (and crumbled bacon, if using) evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake the dish, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
6. Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish the top with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, appetizing finish. Serve this French Onion Beef Casserole hot and ready to delight your family and friends with its comforting, cheesy goodness.
Notes
While the classic version features ground beef, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter twist. Vegetarians can also enjoy this casserole by using meat substitutes or simply omitting the beef altogether.
To make a healthier version of French Onion Beef Casserole, consider using leaner cuts of meat like ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and calories. Use whole grain egg noodles instead of regular ones for added fiber. Additionally, add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg