Description
Cozy and Comforting French Onion Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked egg noodles
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 10.5 ounce cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional, to deglaze)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 °F and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
2. Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions (and mushrooms if using) and cook until soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. If using red wine, deglaze the pan with it now. Stir in the garlic and thyme, and cook for another minute.
3. Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked egg noodles, the beef-onion mixture, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the crispy fried onions (and bacon if using) evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
6. Serve & Garnish: Remove the French Onion Beef Casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
To ensure your French Onion Beef Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
– Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ground beef, freshly shredded cheese, and good-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
– Adjust Seasoning: Taste the casserole before baking and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your personal preferences.
– Experiment with Variations: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes for extra veggies. You can also swap in different cheeses, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for a unique twist.
– Storing and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store the French Onion Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, adding a bit more cheese on top if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg