Creamy French Onion Beef Pasta Bake

Warm, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this French Onion Beef Pasta Bake brings together the creamy richness of sour cream, savory ground beef, and the tangy bite of French onion soup. Loaded with egg noodles, gooey cheese, and a crispy French fried onion topping, this casserole is everything you need for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes just like beef stroganoff! 

It’s that time of year when I try and make simple, healthy, budget friendly dinners that give our family a lot of servings. When I’m tired of Instant Pot Hamburger Helper or Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup, I start to get creative.

Even though I like to make homemade French Onion Soup, I purchased a can of condensed French onion soup that I didn’t end up using. When doing my weekly meal prep list, I saw that I had leftover sour cream, some ground beef in the freezer, and some egg noodles. I knew that some combination of these ingredients would taste amazing, and I was right!

These French onion beef noodles have a savory flavor similar to beef stroganoff and are all cooked up casserole style. It makes a ton of food, has that warm and comforting taste, and really fills you up! You truly cant go wrong with a dinner that has ten ingredients and costs just about $15 to make!  

🗝️Key Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef – Brings a savory, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and oniony goodness. Choose lean beef if you prefer a lighter dish or go for regular for extra juiciness. You can also use chopped brisket, skirt steak, or flank steak if its cooked well.
• Condensed French Onion Soup – This canned soup can be found in the grocery store and adds a bold onion flavor to the dish. Make sure not to add water to it. Keep it condensed!
• Wide Egg Noodles – While you can use your favorite paste to make this (like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni), I love the texture and taste of wide egg noodles. In my opinion, they are the best at soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Gruyere Cheese – Typically, French onion soup has some melty gruyere cheese on top. Its a popular cheese from Switzerland with a nutty taste that melts beautifully. You could also use other cheeses like white cheddar, Swiss, or provolone to change up the taste.

🧅Step By Step Instructions

Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your baking dish ready. Lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles according to the package directions, aiming for al dente texture so they don’t become mushy when baked. Once cooked, drain the noodles well and set them aside to cool slightly.

Cook the beef and vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it’s fully liquid and sizzling. Add the sliced onions and sauté them for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly golden. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, and continue until it’s browned and no longer pink. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 60 seconds, just until fragrant, to avoid burning.

Make the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic. Pour in the condensed French onion soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of beef.

Mix with pasta: Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the creamy beef mixture, making sure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce. Transfer the entire mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, followed by a generous layer of crunchy French fried onions for a golden crust.

Bake and serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Once done, remove it from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

🎥VIDEO (Watch Me Make It!)

👩🏻‍🍳Expert Tips

• Add the French onion soup to the beef first and give it a stir. This will help cool down the beef so that the sour cream does not curdle.
• Cook the egg noodles just until al dente so they don’t become overly soft after baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for a meltier, smoother topping. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can make them less creamy.
• Let the casserole sit for five minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set slightly.
• Always taste the beef mixture after seasoning with salt and pepper, as the French onion soup can add its own saltiness to the dish.

🥩Variations and Substitutions

• Different Types of Meat: Swap out the ground beef for other cuts of beef like brisket or skirt steak, shredded after slow cooking for a rich, tender bite. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, bacon or even sausage for a different spin.
• Gluten-Free Option: Make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles. Double-check the condensed French onion soup and French fried onions for gluten-containing ingredients as many brands offer gluten-free versions.
• Low-Carb Option: For a lighter, low-carb version, replace the egg noodles with zoodles (spiralized zucchini) or spaghetti squash. These options pair perfectly with the creamy beef mixture.
• Different Types of Cheeses: Gruyere gives this dish a nutty, melty richness, but you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses for a unique twist. For a bolder flavor, Parmesan and Asiago work beautifully in the sauce and topping.
• Other Substitutions: If sour cream isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that keeps the creamy texture intact while adding a slight tang. Butter can be replaced with olive oil for sautéing the onions, and fresh parsley can be swapped with chives or green onions for garnish.

🧊Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the top from drying out.

Freezing Instructions
This casserole freezes well, whether baked or unbaked:

• To Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish but stop before adding the French fried onions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the French fried onions, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes if the dish is still slightly chilled.
• To Freeze After Baking: Let the casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

❓FAQ

🍽️More Easy Family Dinner Recipes

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• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
• Healthy Fish Taco Bowls