Creamy French Onion Beef Pasta Bake -

a casserole tray of pasta bake with ground beef, onions, and a creamy sauce

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Creamy French Onion Beef Pasta Bake

This French Onion Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole made with ground beef, tender egg noodles, creamy French onion sauce, and a crispy onion topping. It’s perfect for family dinners, easy to prepare, and customizable for gluten-free or low-carb diets.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked french onion beef noodles, baked ground beef casserole and noodles, beef and egg noodle bake, beef noodle casserole with onions, cheesy french onion casserole, creamy beef and noodle casserole, creamy french onion beef bake, egg noodle beef casserole, egg noodle casserole, french onion beef pasta bake, french onion noodle casserole, french onion pasta bake, ground beef pasta bake

Servings: servings

Calories: 622kcal

Author: Valerie Skinner

Equipment

Large Pot
large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
large mixing bowl
9x13-inch baking dish

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef
1 tbsp Butter
1 cup White Onion sliced
2 tsp Garlic minced
16 oz Wide Egg Noodles cooked (or other pasta)
1.5 cups Sour Cream
1 can Condensed French Onion Soup
2 cups Gruyere Cheese shredded (or cheddar)
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
1 cup French Fried Onions
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste

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

Notes

🥩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.

Nutrition