Irresistible French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Nothing beats comfort like a hearty french onion beef casserole that warms your soul on chilly evenings.

Caramelized onions mingle beautifully with tender meat, creating a rich symphony of flavors.

Layers of melted cheese and savory beef promise a delightful dining experience.

Each bite carries the depth of classic french cuisine with a modern twist.

Crispy edges and a creamy center make this dish irresistibly satisfying.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Casserole with Layers of French Onion Beef Goodness

• Savor Homemade Comfort: Dive into a hearty casserole that brings warmth and rich flavors straight to your dinner table, creating that perfect cozy meal everyone craves.
• Effortless Cooking Magic: Prepare this delicious dish with minimal kitchen skills, combining simple ingredients in just a few easy steps that guarantee a crowd-pleasing result.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transform basic pantry staples into a satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy families seeking a delicious and hassle-free dinner option.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experience a mouthwatering blend of melted cheese and savory beef that transforms an ordinary casserole into an irresistible comfort food masterpiece.

French Onion Beef Casserole What Goes In

• Ground Beef: Hearty base of the casserole.

• Onions: Sweet and caramelized flavor enhancer.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of savory onion flavor.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and rich meaty flavor.

• Black Pepper, Thyme: Adds warm and earthy undertones.

• Pasta: Provides substantial base for the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into creamy, golden topping.

• Olive Oil: Helps caramelize onions and prevent sticking.

Assembling French Onion Beef Casserole Comfort-Style

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions to Perfection

Drizzle olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently cook sliced onions, stirring occasionally, until they transform into a rich, golden-brown delicacy that brings deep, sweet flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a separate pan, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 4: Mix Magical Casserole Ingredients

• Beef broth
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Uncooked pasta

Stir everything together until well combined and each ingredient is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the hearty mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Beautiful

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt completely and turn into a gorgeous, bubbling golden-brown crust that signals it’s ready to devour.

Casserole Tips That Bring Out French Onion Beef Richness

• Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take time to develop deep, rich flavor by cooking onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve golden-brown color.
• Control Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated beef taste.
• Choose Cheese Wisely: Select melting cheeses like gruyère, provolone, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for optimal gooey texture and rich flavor profile.
• Boost Herb Intensity: Consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary alongside dried herbs to elevate the overall aromatic complexity of the dish.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust seasoning before baking, potentially adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.

Save French Onion Beef Casserole for Later

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and avoid absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap casserole in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Keep flat to maintain texture and prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 15 minutes before reheating. Add splash of beef broth to prevent dryness. Cover with foil to preserve moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Beef Casserole with Onion Flavor Matches

• Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the rich beef and caramelized onions, cutting through the casserole's hearty flavors with smooth tannins.
• Enhance Crisp Side Salad: Create a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding freshness and acidity that cuts through the heavy protein and cheese.
• Craft Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm French baguette or sourdough slices to soak up the delicious beef broth and provide delightful textural contrast against the creamy casserole.
• Select Craft Beer Match: Choose a malty amber ale or dark porter that echoes the caramelized onion notes and stands up to the robust beef flavor profile, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Pineapple Cheese Ball Appetizer Styles

• Gluten-Free Beef Casserole: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rice noodles, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, use full-fat cheese, and maintain high protein content from beef.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushroom blend, keeping the caramelized onion and cheese elements intact.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and choose lactose-free beef broth for those with dairy sensitivities.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for French Onion Beef Casserole?

The key ingredients include ground beef, caramelized onions, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, pasta, and shredded cheese.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with egg noodles, rotini, or penne. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and has a similar cooking time.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty French onion beef casserole delivers comfort with rich caramelized onions and tender meat nestled under a golden cheese crust. Home cooks will savor this classic French-inspired dish that combines rustic flavors in one satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 cups (340 grams) cooked pasta (egg noodles or penne)
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking Base:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Slowly transform sliced onions into a rich, golden-brown delicacy by gently sautéing them in a skillet, stirring occasionally to develop deep caramelized flavor, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, thoroughly cook ground beef until no pink remains, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a lean and clean protein base.
4. Create a harmonious mixture by combining the perfectly browned beef, luxuriously caramelized onions, robust beef broth, aromatic garlic powder, intense onion powder, freshly ground black pepper, earthy thyme, and selected pasta in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
6. Generously crown the casserole with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melted goodness.
7. Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown blanket that signals the casserole is perfectly ready to serve.

Notes

• Quickly caramelize onions by adding a pinch of sugar to speed up the browning process and enhance natural sweetness.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Boost nutritional value by mixing in chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to add extra texture and vitamins.
• Enhance cheese complexity by combining multiple cheese types such as gruyère and sharp cheddar for a more sophisticated and layered taste experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg