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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Generously crown the casserole with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melted goodness.
- 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