French Onion Ground Beef Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions with hearty ground beef and melted cheese. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or even a potluck.

It brings the comforting flavors of French onion soup, but in casserole form, making it a satisfying and filling meal. 😋🍽️

Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or need a dish that can be prepped ahead of time, this casserole has you covered. Ready to dive into this hearty, cheesy, and flavorful meal? Let’s go! 😍🔥

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole

✅ Rich, Savory Flavor – The caramelized onions and ground beef create a delicious, savory base.
✅ Cheesy & Creamy – A gooey cheese layer gives this casserole that extra indulgence.
✅ Easy to Make – This recipe uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy nights.
✅ Versatile – It can be made ahead, reheated, and can be customized to suit your tastes.
✅ One-Dish Meal – Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal! 🧼

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering casserole:

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef – Choose lean beef for a leaner version or go with fattier cuts for more flavor. 🐄
• 2 medium onions – Thinly sliced for that signature French onion flavor. 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced to give the casserole an aromatic boost. 🧄
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami to the flavor. 🍶
• 1/2 cup beef broth – Helps create a moist casserole and adds flavor. 🥄
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A touch of herby goodness for extra flavor. 🌿
• Salt and pepper – To taste, to bring all the flavors together. 🧂

For the Creamy Casserole Base:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – The creamy base of the casserole that ties everything together. 🍄
• 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess. 🥄
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese – The perfect melty cheese that complements the flavors beautifully. 🧀
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For a gooey, stretchy texture. 🧀

For the Topping:

• 1 cup French fried onions – Crispy topping to give the casserole an extra crunch! 🍽️
• 1 tablespoon butter – To melt and drizzle over the top for that crispy finish. 🧈

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make this delicious French Onion Ground Beef Casserole? Let’s go!

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1️⃣ Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2️⃣ Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until they start to soften and turn golden brown.
3️⃣ Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the onions to help them release moisture and caramelize more evenly.
4️⃣ Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5️⃣ Set the caramelized onions aside and move on to the next step.

💡 Pro Tip: Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to achieving that rich, sweet flavor that makes this casserole unique!

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1️⃣ In the same pan (don’t wipe it clean!), add ground beef.
2️⃣ Cook until browned, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes.
3️⃣ Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
4️⃣ Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
5️⃣ Add caramelized onions back into the pan and stir to combine. Now you have your flavorful beef and onion mixture ready for the casserole!

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Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
2️⃣ Add shredded Swiss cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese into the bowl and mix until the cheese is evenly incorporated.
3️⃣ Now, add the beef and onion mixture into the creamy base and stir until everything is combined.

💡 Pro Tip: The mix of Swiss and mozzarella gives this casserole a gooey and rich texture that will melt perfectly in the oven.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Spread the beef and onion mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
4️⃣ Top with French fried onions. This will give the casserole a crispy, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers below.
5️⃣ Dot the top with a tablespoon of melted butter for added richness and a golden finish.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1️⃣ Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
2️⃣ Check the casserole halfway through and cover with aluminum foil if the top is browning too quickly.
3️⃣ Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides:

🥗 With a side salad – A light, fresh salad will balance out the richness of the casserole.
🥔 With mashed potatoes – Go all out and add a serving of creamy mashed potatoes for even more comfort.
🍞 With crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
🍚 With rice – Serve it over white or brown rice for a filling and satisfying meal.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Fridge: Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This casserole also freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (about 1 minute at a time) to prevent the casserole from drying out.
• Tip: If reheating a frozen casserole, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until fully heated.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work perfectly. You might need to adjust the seasoning a bit since they have a milder flavor.

2️⃣ Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat!

3️⃣ Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie boost.

4️⃣ How can I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check the label on the French fried onions to make sure they’re gluten-free.

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🍽️ Conclusion – A Hearty Comfort Meal

French Onion Ground Beef Casserole is the definition of comfort food! 🧀🍖 With its rich, cheesy, and savory flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or preparing it ahead for a busy week, you’ll love how simple and delicious this dish is.

The combination of caramelized onions, savory beef, creamy soup, and crispy fried onions on top makes this casserole irresistibly good. Try it today and indulge in the comforting flavors of French onion soup, turned into a satisfying and filling casserole! 😍