If you’re searching for that cozy, deeply savory dish that’ll have everyone swooning at the dinner table, look no further than French Onion Ground Beef Casserole. This hearty one-pan meal marries everything we love about French onion soup—sweet caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and that irresistible crispy topping—with tender noodles and succulent ground beef. It’s the kind of comfort food that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with bubbly, cheesy goodness. Whether for a busy weeknight or the centerpiece of a Sunday supper, this casserole is my reliable go-to for serious crowd-pleasing moments!

Ingredients You’ll Need

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of French Onion Ground Beef Casserole lies in its straightforward, big-flavor ingredients. Each one pulls its delicious weight, from the deeply caramelized onions to the melty cheese, turning pantry staples into something truly memorable.

Ground beef: Choose lean for less grease, but with enough fat for rich, meaty flavor.
Olive oil: A drizzle helps those onions reach melt-in-your-mouth caramelization.
Yellow onion: Sliced thin and cooked low and slow, these transform the whole casserole.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add warmth and balance to the base.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savoriness—don’t skip it!
Dried thyme: This herb adds an earthy, aromatic note that whispers “French classic.”
Salt: Enhances and brings out every other flavor in the dish.
Black pepper: Just enough for some gentle heat.
Cream of mushroom soup: Lends that creamy, luxurious texture to the sauce.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and makes the casserole extra luscious.
Mozzarella cheese: Super gooey when melted and gives great cheese pulls.
Swiss or Gruyère cheese: Nutty and melty, perfect for nailing that classic French onion vibe (Gruyère is especially amazing if you can find it).
Egg noodles: Wide, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that flavor—be sure to cook and drain them first.
French fried onions: The crowning crunch, delivering that essential touch of nostalgia and texture.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

The foundation of this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is truly great onions, so don’t rush this step! Heat olive oil in a large skillet, pile on those yellow onions, and stir over medium heat. Take your time—about 20 minutes—so they get gorgeously browned, sweet, and soft. Stir often and enjoy the transformation. Once golden, toss in the garlic for just a minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Using the same skillet (hooray for fewer dishes!), add your ground beef and break it up as it browns for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll want a rich, crumbly texture without any pink left. Drain off any extra fat—this helps the finished casserole stay rich without being greasy.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring well so that every beefy bite gets a hit of that French-inspired seasoning. Return your caramelized onions to the pan and stir them through, watching the colors and aromas come together beautifully!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the beef-and-onion mixture. Stir until it all melts into a creamy sauce. Then, add half of your cheese duo—mozzarella and Swiss (or Gruyère if you’re feeling fancy). The cheese will start to get melty and stringy, tying everything together.

Step 5: Combine with Noodles

Gently fold in your cooked and drained egg noodles until every ribbon is coated with that luscious sauce. Be careful not to overmix, just enough so everything’s perfectly combined but the noodles hold their shape.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remainder of the mozzarella and Swiss cheese right over the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, so it turns bubbly at the edges and golden on top.

Step 7: Add the Crunch and Finish Baking

For that signature French Onion Ground Beef Casserole finish, scatter French fried onions across the glorious cheese layer. Pop the casserole back in the oven for 5-7 minutes more so those onions toast up golden and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before grabbing your spatula—the cheese will set just enough for the perfect slice.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

A flurry of fresh chopped parsley over the casserole brings freshness and color, while a light dusting of extra black pepper (or even a bit more thyme) adds an aromatic punch. If you really want to channel French bistro vibes, a little extra Gruyère grated over just before serving is absolute heaven.

Side Dishes

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is pretty much a meal on its own, but I love balancing out the richness with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or simply-steamed green beans. Garlic bread or a hunk of rustic baguette is another classic side for sopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop individual portions into wide bowls for that cozy, almost-soup vibe, or serve it sliced in neat squares for a potluck-friendly main. For a fun twist, bake the mixture in smaller ramekins for personal casseroles—every serving gets its own crackly onion topping! You can even tuck a spoonful inside a toasted bread roll for a truly comforting sandwich version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a dream when it comes to meal prep. Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly (or transfer to an airtight container) and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better overnight!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire baking dish in foil, or portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend leaving off the French fried onions until you’re ready to reheat—add them just before baking to keep them nice and crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes for a whole casserole or 8-10 minutes for individual portions). Add a fresh layer of French fried onions for the last 5 minutes to restore that crave-worthy crunch.

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (just leave off the French fried onions), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. When ready, add the onions and bake as directed.

What substitutions work best if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is a classic choice and melts beautifully with a similar nutty taste. Provolone or even Monterey Jack can also work in a pinch, giving you a creamy result with that signature stretchy pull.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While egg noodles are traditional for this sort of casserole, you can use rotini, penne, or even wide pappardelle. The key is to choose something sturdy enough to hold the sauce.

Is there a way to make the casserole lighter?

If you’d like to lighten it up, try using ground turkey instead of beef and substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and opt for a lighter version of the condensed soup if available.

What can I do if I want a stronger onion flavor?

For super onion lovers, feel free to add an extra onion when caramelizing or toss in a pinch of onion powder with the seasonings. Some folks even like to stir in a few chopped scallions for extra pop!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dig into a bubbling, cheesy, French-inspired comfort classic, give this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole a try. It’s a family favorite that truly brings people together—warm, comforting, and always a hit at the table. One bite, and you’ll see why this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty French Onion Ground Beef Casserole that combines savory ground beef, caramelized onions, creamy mushroom sauce, and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is a family favorite and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Cheese:

10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese

Other Ingredients:

1 bag (about 16 oz) egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup French fried onions

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, sauté the sliced onions in olive oil until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Set aside.
Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix in caramelized onions, soup, sour cream, and half of the cheeses.
Combine: Add cooked noodles to the mixture. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
Finish: Sprinkle French fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Gruyère cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor, but Swiss or provolone can be used as a substitute.
For added depth, stir in a splash of beef broth or a dash of dry white wine while cooking the onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American