Kitchen Divas

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Us
    • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Courses

    French Onion Beef Casserole

    Published: Feb 13, 2022 · Modified: May 20, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 8 Comments

    Share154
    Pin1.2K
    Post
    Email
    Share
    1.4KShares
    1.4KShares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    French onion beef casserole recipe makes a hearty and delicious meal that's perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Flavor-packed with a creamy texture and topped with crunchy French fried onions, this casserole is sure to be a hit come dinner time.

    A spoonful of french onion beef casserole lifted up from casserole dish.

    In his younger days, my son was never big on onions until I put a plate of this French onion casserole in front of him. I remember him sniffing at the plate and saying with a scrunchy face, "ewww...I hate onions"! When I told him it had some of his favorite ingredients like meat and noodles, he reluctantly put a tiny forkful in his mouth. That's all it took. He cleaned his plate and with a big smile, asked for more! That was a 180.

    Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food and so easy to make. This ground beef casserole can be put together in no time. It's the simple prepared spices and ingredients that makes this casserole so scrumptious. When I'm craving a creamy pasta dinner and time is tight, this is one of my favorite go-to recipes. .

    French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

    Simplicity is the name of the game with this beef casserole and it was inspired by another casserole recipe on Kitchen Divas, and is the perfect partner with this simple asparagus side dish recipe.

    If you enjoy easy casseroles during the week, you might also want to try, Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole or Cheesy Tuna Pasta Casserole . Also check out our kid friendly Ground Beef recipes.

    Ingredients

    This easy French onion casserole recipe requires only basic ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store.

    Ingredients to make french onion beef casserole on the table.
    • Egg noodles: The curly variety works best, but any pasta will do.`
    • Ground beef: For best results use 80/20 or 90/10.
    • Cream of mushroom soup
    • Sour cream
    • French Onion dip mix: You can find this in the seasoning section of the grocery store. It may also be called French onion soup mix.
    • Sherry
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Gruyere cheese: Its sharp flavor melds really well with the other flavors, but feel free to use any shredded cheese like mozzarella, colby, jack or cheddar.
    • French’s fried onions: It's the cherry on top and gives this easy casserole the perfect crunch.

    See the recipe card further down on the page for the amount of each ingredient you need.

    Instructions

    An easy dinner recipe to follow with just a few easy steps and needs only 20 minutes of hands-on time to put together.

    Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Brown the Ground Beef

    Cook the noodles according to the package directions; remove them immediately from the hot water and drain well.

    Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking the meat up into small pieces until it is fully cooked and browned on the outside.

    Step 2: Mix the Casserole

    Mixing together the ingredients for the beef casserole.
    Everything is mixed together in the bowl.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, French onion dip, sherry, and Worcestershire sauce.

    Adding the pasta to the french onion casserole sauce.
    All the ingredients for french onion beef casserole mixed up.

    Add the noodles and ground beef. Mix everything together.

    Casserole ingredients are in the baking dish and topped with cheese.
    Crispy onions are added to the top of the casserole.

    Pour into a pan in an even layer. Evenly spread shredded cheese over the pasta, then top with the fried onions.

    Step 5: Bake in the Oven

    The casserole out of the onion with lightly browned top.

    Cover the casserole with a piece of tinfoil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the tinfoil and finish baking until hot and bubbly.

    French onion casserole with beef served up on plates on the table.

    Substitutions

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change it up? Here are some helpful tips that will modify this scrumptious beef French onion casserole.

    • Cream of mushroom soup - Any of the creamy-based condensed soups will work.
    • Egg noodles - Although this one's my favorite when making beef casserole, you can swap them out for any short pasta.
    • Vegetarian - Replace the beef hamburger with plant-based ground beef or cooked beans.
    • Use French Onion Dip: Use it in place of the onion dip mix with 1 cup of the sour cream.

    Variations

    Want to personalize this French onion casserole with beef recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips that will alter this recipe without compromising taste.

    • Meats - Instead of beef, choose ground turkey, chicken or pork.
    • Low fat - Low fat sour cream, reduced fat cream of mushroom soup and the leanest ground beef will do the trick.
    • Mushroom - Add sliced mushrooms to the ground beef to enhance the flavor.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet , Crockpot French Onion Chicken or our Lazy Lasagna dinner.

    Storage

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To crisp up the onions again, reheat in the oven.

    Tips

    French onion ground beef casserole isn't complicated, but here are my recommendations to ensure this home-cooked casserole comes out perfectly.

    • Only partially cook the noodles. Leave them slightly undercooked as they'll finish cooking as they bake.
    • Drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning so the casserole won't be greasy.
    Serving up a spoonful of french onion ground beef casserole.

    More Ground Beef Recipes

    If you like easy meals made with ground beef, here are some recipes you might want to try:

    • A plate of beef and rice taco skillet on the table with a fork and some toppings in bowls.
      Beef Taco Skillet Recipe with Rice
    • A beef bowl holding shredded red cabbage, and green onions.
      Korean Beef Bowls
    • A slice of casserole on a plate.
      Beef Lombardi Casserole
    • Taco hashbrown casserole served up on a white plate.
      Taco Hashbrown Casserole (Crock Pot)

    FAQ

    Any questions about this French onion casserole with beef? Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions and answers about this beef casserole recipe.

    Can I make French onion beef casserole in advance?

    Yes! The entire casserole can be assembled up to 24-48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, remove from the fridge and let it sit for 30 minutes on the counter before cooking it in the oven. Since all the ingredients have been refrigerated, you may need to extend the time the casserole cooks covered with foil.

    Can I make it in advance and freeze this casserole before cooking?

    Since it's made with sour cream and pasta, freezing is not recommended as it can damage the texture.

    Why are the noodles in my casserole so soft?

    Again, it's important to undercook the noodles slightly because they continue to cook in the oven. You don't want them overcooked. I recommend cooking 2-3 minutes less than the time indicated on the package.

    French Onion Beef Casserole Video

    YouTube video

    French Onion Beef Casserole

    Ready to get started? Remember, you can print this recipe if you like.

    A spoonful of french onion beef casserole lifted up from casserole dish.

    French Onion Beef Casserole

    Karin and Ken
    A hearty beef and noodle casserole topped with crispy French onions and baked to perfection, it doesn't get much better than that. Follow this creamy noodle recipe for one very delicious weeknight meal.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 840 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • large skillet
    • wooden spoon
    • Rubber spatula
    • saucepan or pot to boil pasta
    • colander
    • mixing bowl
    • 9 x 13 casserole dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pkg (10 oz) dried egg noodles
    • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 or 90/10
    • 2 cans (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
    • 2 cups sour cream
    • 1 package French Onion soup mix or onion soup mix
    • ½ cup Sherry optional
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 cup Gruyere cheese cheddar, jack, colby or mozzarella work too
    • 2 cups French’s fried onions
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Gather and measure the ingredients.
      Ingredients to make french onion beef casserole on the table.
    • Cook the noodles according to the package directions, but remove 3 minutes earlier than instructed. Drain.
    • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess oil.
    • Preheat oven to 350° and spray a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, French onion dip, sherry and Worcestershire sauce.
      Mixing together the ingredients for the beef casserole.
    • Thoroughly mix.
      Everything is mixed together in the bowl.
    • Add the noodles and toss to combine.
      Adding the pasta to the french onion casserole sauce.
    • Add the ground beef and mix together.
      All the ingredients for french onion beef casserole mixed up.
    • Pour into the pan and smooth out.
      Casserole ingredients are in the baking dish and topped with cheese.
    • Spread the cheese evenly over the pasta.
      Crispy onions are added to the top of the casserole.
    • Then top with the fried onions.
      The casserole out of the onion with lightly browned top.
    • Place a piece of tinfoil over the casserole and place in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the tinfoil and finish baking until hot and bubbly.
    • Serve immediately!
      Serving up a spoonful of french onion ground beef casserole.
    • Serve with a side of vegetables or salad if desired.
      A serving of french onion beef casserole on the plate.
    • Eat and enjoy!
      Closeup view of a spoonful of french onion beef casserole over the plate.

    Video

    Notes

    Tips:
    • Don’t cook the noodles all the way. Leave them slightly undercooked as they will cook more as they bake.
    • Drain the ground beef well after cooking it so the casserole isn't greasy.
    Storage:
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven if you wish to crisp the onions again before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 840kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 33gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 1895mgPotassium: 652mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 718IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword french onion beef casserole, ground beef casserole
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share154
    Pin1.2K
    Post
    Email
    Share
    1.4KShares
    1.4KShares

    More Main Courses

    • Slow cooker baked beans with sausage being served in a bowl with a fork.
      Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Sausage 
    • Turkey club wrap served in two halves.
      Turkey Club Wrap
    • Big mac egg rolls cut in half and stacked on top a pile of others.
      Big Mac Egg Rolls
    • Big mac sloppy joes in a hamburger bun.
      Big Mac Sloppy Joes

    Comments

    1. Lacey says

      April 04, 2025 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      This is super good family loved it. You think it would freeze ok?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        April 04, 2025 at 6:04 pm

        It definitely freezes ok. Cover it and add more cheese on top when reheating! We always do. So happy you liked this easy casserole. Take care and all the best. Karin

    2. Sandy says

      November 05, 2023 at 3:51 pm

      5 stars
      We love this casserole and it’s in our regular rotation This recipe is definitely child friendly and husband friendly too. Thx ❤️

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 05, 2023 at 3:59 pm

        You’re most welcome! I could not agree with you more. This casserole is definitely people friendly! I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t like it yet at any age! All the best. Karin

    3. Brynn says

      November 05, 2023 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe turned out great just as it is Thank you for sharing another keeper. Keep up the great work 💕

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 05, 2023 at 3:58 pm

        As always you’re most welcome! I try my best. I’m so glad you’re enjoying this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin

    4. Jackie says

      May 11, 2023 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      This so awesome I love the crispy onions and cheese in this. And you don't even need gruyere if you can't find it. Mozzarella works. Anything works. So delicious

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 05, 2023 at 4:01 pm

        So true! I use whatever cheese I have around and it always tastes amazing! We make this recipe regularly ourselves and enjoy every bite. All the best. Karin

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    More about us

    Most Popular Recipes!

    • A fork holding pieces steak in crockpot next to mashed potatoes on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs.
      Ribeye Steak in Crockpot
    • Air Fryer Haddock
    • A slice with a fork in it.
      Easy Hobo Casserole
    • A rack of beef ribs in the oven on a piece of parchment brushed with bbq sauce.
      The Best Beef Ribs Recipe

    Discover More Dinner Recipes ➡️

    Summer Favorites

    • A plate of pancake batter fried fish with sauce on the side garnished with lemon slices.
      Pancake Batter Fried Fish
    • A slice of Oreo delight on a white plate garnished with an Oreo cookie.
      No-Bake Oreo Delight
    • A slice of Funfetti ice cream cake on a blue plate.
      Funfetti Ice Cream Cake for Birthdays & More
    • A crispy fried tomato cut it half stacked on top of one other.
      Crispy Fried Tomatoes

    More Easter Sweet Treats and Side Dishes ➡️

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Us

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Kitchen Divas All Rights Reserved