Here is a French Onion Beef Casserole with clear, detailed, step-by-step directions. This version is rich, savory, and very straightforward.
French Onion Beef Casserole
Serves
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
Beef Layer
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1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Sauce
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1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed French onion soup
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Casserole Base
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3 cups cooked egg noodles or rice
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Topping
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1½ cups French fried onions
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the ground beef and chopped onion.
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Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft.
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Add the garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Cook for 1 minute more.
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Drain off excess grease.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
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In a bowl, combine the French onion soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
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Spread the cooked noodles or rice evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Spoon the beef mixture over the base.
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Pour the sauce evenly over the beef.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
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Cover the dish with foil.
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Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Topping
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Remove the foil.
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Sprinkle the French fried onions and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
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Return the dish to the oven.
Step 7: Finish Baking
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Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes.
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The casserole should be hot throughout, bubbly at the edges, and golden on top.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
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Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
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Serve hot.
Tips and Variations
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Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
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Add sautéed mushrooms for a more traditional French onion flavor.
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Use Gruyère cheese instead of mozzarella for a deeper flavor.
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For extra richness, stir 2 tablespoons butter into the noodles before layering.