Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day. That is how Southern flavors settle and sing. Make the casserole, cool it, then store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You can. Ground turkey or chicken will give a lighter profile. Brown them well and consider adding an extra pinch of salt to lift the flavor since they are milder than beef.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Sure. Use a meat substitute or a mix of mushrooms, lentils, and chopped walnuts for a meaty texture. The French onion dip and cream soup will carry a lot of the savory profile, so the swap works well.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook the noodles to just shy of al dente, drain them well, and combine with the sauce while they are still slightly firm. The oven will finish the job without overcooking them.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly in the oven to preserve texture.

Easy French Onion Beef Casserole 2026

Name: French Onion Beef Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup French onion dip; 8 oz egg noodles; 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar); 1 onion, chopped; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Description

A comforting blend of savory beef, caramelized onions, and creamy French onion flavors baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 cup French onion dip
8 oz egg noodles
1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar)
1 onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, French onion dip, cream of mushroom soup, and drained noodles. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use real butter for sautéing onions for optimal flavor. Adjust seasonings according to taste, and consider adding a teaspoon of thyme for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg