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A single serving of cheesy beef noodle casserole on a white plate, revealing the layers of noodles, beef, and caramelized onions.

French Onion Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this French Onion Beef Casserole. Featuring deeply caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and a rich thyme-infused sauce, all baked under a blanket of gooey Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 3 large Yellow Onions thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 recommended
  • 12 oz Egg Noodles
  • 4 cups Beef Broth low-sodium
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine like Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme leaves only
  • 2 cups Gruyère Cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • 1 Large Pot (for noodles)

Instructions
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until deeply browned and jammy. Add minced garlic and thyme during the last 5 minutes and stir until fragrant. Remove onions from the pot and set aside.
  2. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef to the same pot and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stir the cooked noodles and reserved caramelized onions into the beef sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Top evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, do not rush the onion caramelization process; this step is crucial for developing the deep, sweet base of the casserole.
Shred your own Gruyère cheese from a block for a smoother, creamier melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
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