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French Onion Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish made with ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy French onion dip, all topped with crispy fried onions. This simple, flavorful casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, offering a rich blend of savory beef, creamy sauce, and a satisfying crunch from the fried onions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 oz egg noodles
1 lb ground beef
16 oz French onion dip
10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1.5 cups fried onions

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, French onion dip, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine. Add the browned ground beef and mix again.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Add the Fried Onions: Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrients

Calories: 450-500 per serving
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Fat: 30-35g
Protein: 25-30g
Fiber: 3-4g

This French Onion Beef Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and crispy textures, making it a family favorite that’s sure to please!

Why French Onion Beef Casserole is a Must-Try

What makes French Onion Beef Casserole so irresistible is its combination of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef is balanced by the rich, creamy French onion dip and sour cream, while the egg noodles add a hearty base to the dish. The grated cheddar cheese adds extra flavor and creaminess, while the crispy fried onions on top give the casserole a satisfying crunch. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, and the fact that it’s easy to make and requires minimal preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you need something filling and delicious.

The beauty of this dish is also in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or use different types of cheese to change up the flavor. Whether served on its own or alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, French Onion Beef Casserole is a complete, satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

The Key Ingredients in French Onion Beef Casserole

The ingredients in this casserole are simple, yet they come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this casserole so delicious:

Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the perfect base for this casserole, offering a tender texture that soaks up the creamy sauce while providing substance to the dish.
Ground Beef: The ground beef adds richness and protein to the dish. It’s the savory element that complements the creamy French onion dip and enhances the overall flavor.
French Onion Dip: This dip is the secret ingredient that makes the casserole creamy and flavorful. It brings a rich, tangy, and savory flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and depth to the sauce, making it thick and smooth. It also complements the French onion dip, adding richness to the casserole.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tanginess and enhances the creamy texture of the dish. It balances out the richness of the cheese and ground beef.
Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar cheese gives the casserole a sharp, savory flavor and adds extra creaminess to the sauce as it melts in the oven.
Fried Onions: The fried onions provide a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy texture of the casserole, adding a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor.

How to Make French Onion Beef Casserole

Making French Onion Beef Casserole is quick and easy. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, French onion dip, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed. Add the browned ground beef and mix again.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Add the Fried Onions: Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

French Onion Beef Casserole is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday meals. It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare but full of flavor, making it ideal for busy nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The comforting combination of beef, noodles, and creamy sauce makes it satisfying and filling, while the crispy fried onions add a fun, crispy twist to the dish.

This casserole is also perfect for family gatherings and potlucks, as it can be easily made in advance and served to a crowd. It’s an affordable, hearty meal that can feed a large group and is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tips for Making the Perfect French Onion Beef Casserole

Use Lean Ground Beef: To make the casserole a little lighter, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also drain off excess grease from the beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
Add Vegetables: You can easily incorporate vegetables into the casserole, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach, to add more nutrients and flavor.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add the fried onions before baking to ensure they stay crispy.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is the go-to choice for this casserole, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese to customize the flavor.
Serve with a Side: Serve the casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make French Onion Beef Casserole

French Onion Beef Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and crispy textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s simple to prepare, hearty enough to be a main course, and versatile enough to be served at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a family dinner, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Try making French Onion Beef Casserole today—you won’t be disappointed!

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