Irresistible French Onion Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about a bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven, especially when it’s a French Onion Ground Beef Casserole. Just imagine that rich, savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the scent of caramelized onions and melted cheese. slow cooker beef and noodles It’s like getting a warm hug from your favorite dish.

This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. The delightful combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds, and you’ll be the star of the show.

I still remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my aunt practically tackled me just to get the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use high-quality ground beef for better flavor and texture; leaner cuts work best to avoid excess grease.

• Onions: Sweet yellow onions are perfect here; they caramelize beautifully and provide a rich sweetness.

• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels while still adding depth to the flavor.

• Cheese: Gruyère cheese is traditional but feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness.

• Pasta: Short pasta shapes like macaroni or penne hold up well in this casserole, soaking up all those amazing juices.

• Seasonings: A blend of thyme and garlic powder elevates this dish; fresh herbs add even more flavor if you have them on hand.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). dump and bake casserole This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden top.

Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced onions. chicken cheesesteak skillet Cook until they turn translucent and caramelize beautifully—about 15 minutes—releasing that sweet aroma.

Add the Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. ground turkey skillet dish Break it up with a spatula as it cooks until browned and no pink remains—approximately 8-10 minutes.

Mix Everything Together: Stir in cooked pasta along with beef broth and seasonings. Combine well so each bite is packed with flavor; let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld those delicious flavors.

Add Cheese Topping: Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese (or mozzarella) on top. This will create that irresistible cheesy crust we all love!

Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Now that you’ve mastered this French Onion Ground Beef Casserole, get ready for compliments galore! Serve hot and watch as everyone dives in for seconds—just make sure there’s enough left for you too!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef and caramelizing the onions first; then layer them with cheese and bake until bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor, or swap out the ground beef for turkey or lentils. For more inspiration, check out this Taco Bell Meat Recipe recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep it delicious.

The first time I made this casserole, my friends devoured it in minutes! They insisted I share the recipe—it was a proud moment indeed!

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground beef in this casserole?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.

How do I make the onions sweeter?

Cook the onions slowly over low heat until they’re caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness beautifully.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking; just cover tightly and bake directly from frozen when you’re ready!

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French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

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• Author: Larissa W.
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese for the ultimate family meal. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, offering a delicious blend of textures and flavors. With minimal prep and cleanup, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 2 medium sweet yellow onions, sliced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or mozzarella)
• 2 cups short pasta (e.g., macaroni or penne)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
3. Increase the heat slightly, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Stir in the cooked pasta, beef broth, garlic powder, thyme, and mix well. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg