French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a cozy, savory bake that combines rich caramelized onion flavor with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese. Topped with crispy fried onions, this hearty dish is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family on a weeknight.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefyellow onions (sliced thin)olive oilbuttergarlic (minced)cream of mushroom soupbeef brothWorcestershire sauceegg noodles (cooked)shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheeseItalian seasoninggarlic powdersalt and peppercrispy fried onions (for topping)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until caramelized (about 20–25 minutes). Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.

Mix in the cooked egg noodles and half of the caramelized onions.

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and remaining onions.

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and hot.

Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 50–55 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of onion or celery.

Add cooked mushrooms or peas for more texture and nutrients.

Try Gruyère or provolone cheese for deeper flavor.

Use gluten-free noodles and soup for a gluten-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.Add a splash of broth if the casserole dries out.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add fried onions just before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze unbaked (without fried onions) for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as directed.

Can I use fresh onions instead of crispy fried?

Yes, but fried onions add extra crunch and flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Can I skip the noodles?

Try using rice or mashed potatoes as a base instead.

How do I get perfect caramelized onions?

Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown.

Can I add hot sauce?

Yes, a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

Does it work with low-sodium ingredients?

Yes, opt for low-sodium broth and soup if preferred.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in two dishes or a larger roasting pan.

What sides pair well?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.

Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly classic that brings together savory flavors and creamy textures in every bite. With golden cheese, rich onions, and a crunchy topping, it’s the kind of meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.