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French Onion Beef Casserole

A nostalgic and creamy French Onion Beef Casserole, topped with crispy fried onions and cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, French
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 10 ounces uncooked egg noodles Look for a good quality brand that holds up well in casseroles; my personal favorite is Barilla.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Use an 80/20 mix for the best flavor without excess grease.
  • 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 ounces each) I like Campbell’s; however, feel free to use low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.
  • 1 jar French Onion Dip (15 ounces) This lends the casserole its iconic flavor; I recommend either Dean’s or Heluva Good for the rich taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Adds depth. Use a quality brand like Lea & Perrins.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper Freshly ground is always best.
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Always opt for block cheese that you shred yourself for maximum flavor; I love sharp cheddar for a zing.
  • 2 cups French Fried Onions The crispy texture is crucial; French's brand is the classic choice.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
Cooking the Noodles
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Browning the Beef
  1. While the noodles are cooking, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s thoroughly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Use a spatula to break the beef apart efficiently for uniform cooking.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Lower the heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, French onion dip, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and incorporate it into the mixture for extra creaminess.
Mixing in Noodles
  1. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked egg noodles until fully coated.
Transferring to Baking Dish
  1. Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Topping
  1. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and then layer the French fried onions over the top.
Baking
  1. Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  2. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden. Look for a golden crust on the top—this means it’s ready!
Serving
  1. Let it cool slightly before serving. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread.

Notes

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble everything and cover it tightly with plastic wrap to refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If the casserole seems to dry out, add a splash of beef broth before reheating. It can also freeze well for up to 3 months.