Savory French Onion and Beef Casserole (Print version)
A cozy beef and noodle casserole with French onion flavor, creamy sauce, Swiss cheese, and crispy onions on top.
# Ingredients:
For the casserole
01 -
10 oz (285 g) wide egg noodles
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef, 85 percent lean
04 -
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 -
8 oz (225 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
08 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed French onion soup
10 -
3/4 cup (180 ml) beef broth
11 -
3/4 cup (180 g) sour cream
12 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
13 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping
14 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded Swiss cheese or Gruyere
15 -
1 cup (40 g) crispy fried onions
16 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the oven to 375°F. Boil the egg noodles in salted water until 1 minute shy of package directions, then drain well.
02 -
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 -
Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
04 -
Lower the heat to medium. Add garlic, thyme, Worcestershire, French onion soup, beef broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and warmed through.
05 -
Fold in the drained noodles until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
06 -
Top with Swiss cheese and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cheese melts.
07 -
Scatter crispy fried onions over the top and bake for 5-8 minutes more, until golden. Rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley if using.
# Good to know:
01 -
Cook noodles slightly under tender so they do not soften too much in the oven.
02 -
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and add crispy onions just before baking.
03 -
Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.