Name: Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 large yellow onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 12 ounces egg noodles; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole pulled straight from the oven on a chilly evening. This Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole hits all the cozy notes with savory ground beef, caramelized onions, tender egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every bite. It’s a weeknight dinner hero that tastes like it simmered all day, yet comes together quickly enough to fit into your busiest schedule.

The beauty of this dish is its balance of simplicity and rich flavor. French onion soup flavors are slow-cooked into the mix with minimal effort, giving you that bistro-style depth without the need for hours at the stove. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting casual guests, this casserole wins everyone over.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole

It combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with a creamy beefy pasta bake. You get caramelized sweetness from onions, a hearty base of ground beef, melty cheese throughout, and the unbeatable comfort of tender noodles. It’s a one-dish meal that satisfies all the senses with texture, aroma, and taste.

This dish also makes great leftovers. In fact, it might even taste better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. It reheats like a dream and freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option.

Can I Use a Different Type of Onion in This Casserole?

Absolutely! While yellow onions give the most traditional flavor that pairs well with beef and broth, sweet onions like Vidalia add a smoother edge. Red onions will give a bit more bite, and white onions are sharper and cook faster. Feel free to experiment with what you have, just aim to cook them low and slow to unlock their sweetness.

Ingredients for the Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole

This casserole is built on a handful of humble ingredients that, when brought together, make magic. Each one plays a crucial role in the final dish, from the savory depth of the broth to the creamy binding of sour cream and cheese.

Ground beef
Yellow onions
Beef broth
Egg noodles
Sour cream
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded Swiss cheese
All-purpose flour
Butter
Garlic
Salt and black pepper

These are your flavor-builders and texture-givers. Onions and broth bring that French onion character. The cheeses melt into the noodles and beef, while sour cream adds tang and silkiness.

How To Make the Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by cooking thinly sliced onions in butter over medium-low heat until golden and caramelized. This takes about 20 minutes but is well worth the time.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a separate skillet, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat. Gradually add beef broth, stirring until it thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Fold in sour cream and let simmer gently.

Step 4: Combine with Noodles

Boil egg noodles according to package instructions and drain. Combine the noodles, caramelized onions, and beef mixture in a large bowl. Mix in half the mozzarella and Swiss cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour everything into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole

This casserole is perfect straight out of the oven, steaming and golden. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. It feeds about 6 to 8 people generously, making it ideal for families or small gatherings.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat covered in the oven.

What to Serve With Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole?

Garlic Bread

The cheesy richness of the casserole pairs perfectly with crisp, buttery garlic bread.

Steamed Green Beans

A lighter veggie side helps balance the meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their nuttiness contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole base.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine and a tangy dressing bring freshness.

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Slight sweetness complements the beef and onions.

Pickled Beets or Red Cabbage

A touch of acidity cuts through the richness.

Mashed Cauliflower

For a low-carb twist, try serving a scoop alongside a creamy cauliflower mash.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole, you’ll want to try some of these comforting and creative casseroles next:

No Peek Chicken Casserole for a savory surprise dinner.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole with hearty veggie flair.
Chicken Biscuit Casserole when you want cozy, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a rice-based variation.
Amish Country Casserole for traditional Midwest comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or use Gruyère instead? Maybe you used spiral pasta instead of egg noodles?

I love seeing the personal twists others bring to these recipes. Questions are welcome too!

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Conclusion

Homemade French Onion Beef Casserole is the kind of dish that wraps you in a culinary hug. It’s built for comfort, but not lacking in depth or elegance. With caramelized onions, beefy goodness, and cheesy richness, it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. Make it once, and you’ll be reaching for it again and again.