This French Onion Beef Casserole brings together tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and rich French onion dip in one cozy baking dish. From the first bite, it delivers familiar flavors that feel warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. Because it comes together quickly and bakes in under 30 minutes, it works just as well for busy evenings as it does for relaxed family dinners. With simple pantry staples and a creamy, beefy base, this casserole earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation while still feeling special every time you serve it.
Story & Introduction
I first made French Onion Beef Casserole on a night when I needed something dependable, filling, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of ground beef and French onion dip instantly reminded me of classic potluck dishes that always disappear first. Over time, this recipe became my go-to comfort food dinner when schedules felt packed and energy ran low. Because French Onion Beef Casserole uses ingredients many home cooks already keep on hand, it fits perfectly into a weeknight beef meal plan while still tasting rich and indulgent. Each time I bake it, the familiar aroma fills the kitchen and signals that dinner will be both easy and satisfying.
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French Onion Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
French Onion Beef Casserole made with ground beef, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and French onion dip for a rich, comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces dried egg noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 ounces each)
- 1 jar Lay’s French Onion Dip (15 ounces)
- 1/2 cup French’s fried onions
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions and drain well.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, season with salt and pepper, and drain excess grease.
- Stir cream of mushroom soup and French onion dip into the beef until combined.
- Gently fold cooked noodles into the beef mixture.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften while baking.
- Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the casserole.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Ingredients
-
10 ounces dried egg noodles
-
1 pound lean ground beef
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 cans (10.75 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
-
1 jar (15 ounces) Lay’s French Onion Dip
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1/2 cup French’s fried onions
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish if desired
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until just tender, and drain them well. While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then drain off excess grease so the casserole stays rich without feeling heavy.
Cooking Instructions
Stir the cream of mushroom soup and French onion dip into the cooked beef until the mixture looks smooth and evenly combined. Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles so every strand gets coated. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle the fried onions over the top, and bake uncovered at 350°F until hot and bubbly with a lightly crisp topping.
Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the noodles before baking, since they continue to soften in the oven and can turn mushy. Always drain the ground beef well, as excess grease can thin the sauce and dull the flavor. Skipping seasoning also causes the casserole to taste flat, so season the beef properly before mixing.
Pro Tips for Better Flavor
Use lean ground beef for a balanced texture that still tastes rich. For a deeper onion note, stir a small handful of fried onions directly into the casserole before baking. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds a clean finish that balances the creamy base of this cheesy onion casserole.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve
Serve French Onion Beef Casserole hot from the oven with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for contrast. It also pairs well with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls that soak up the creamy sauce. Because the flavors stay bold, this dish works beautifully as a standalone ground beef bake for casual family meals.
How to Store Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. The casserole holds its texture well, making it ideal for planned leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make French Onion Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When baking from cold, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time so it heats evenly.
Can I substitute another type of pasta?
Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne work well if you do not have egg noodles. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and cook it just until tender before mixing.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You can freeze the baked casserole after it cools completely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Conclusion
This French Onion Beef Casserole proves that simple ingredients can still deliver big comfort. With its creamy texture, savory beef, and crisp onion topping, it fits effortlessly into busy schedules while still feeling hearty and homemade. Once you try it, this casserole quickly becomes a reliable favorite worth baking again and again.
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