Description
Hearty French onion beef casserole melds classic French flavors with comforting midwestern cuisine. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and tender beef create a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Soup and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 packet (1 ounce) French onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Warmly prepare the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment.
- Gently caramelize sliced onions in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat, developing rich golden-brown color for 10-12 minutes.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly and carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Infuse the meat with robust flavor by mixing French onion soup mix and beef broth, allowing the ingredients to meld for 2-3 minutes.
- Create a creamy base in a large mixing bowl by combining cream of mushroom soup and sour cream with cooked noodles.
- Fold the seasoned beef and caramelized onion mixture into the creamy noodle combination, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Carefully transfer the mixed casserole contents into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
- Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley over the casserole for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving.
Notes
- Slow-caramelize onions by stirring frequently and reducing heat to prevent burning, creating deeper flavor complexity.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to minimize excess grease and maintain a lighter, less heavy casserole texture.
- Choose low-sodium French onion soup mix and beef broth to control salt levels, especially for health-conscious diners.
- Swap regular noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg