Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions
This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions is a hearty, family-friendly dinner packed with creamy comfort and bold flavor! Tender egg noodles are baked with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, then topped with golden, crispy French fried onions for the perfect crunch. An easy, satisfying weeknight meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for flavor and texture. Lean beef works too but it’ll be less juicy.
- Egg noodles: They hold up well in the sauce and bake evenly.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives a nice flavor and melt.
- Crispy French onions: Adds crunch and a little saltiness.
- Cream soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken makes the base creamy.
- Milk or sour cream: Loosens the mixture and keeps it from drying out.
- Onion and garlic: Adds flavor to the beef.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Optional: You can also add vegetables like frozen peas corn, or chopped bell peppers. They bring color and a bit of sweetness to the dish.
Instructions
Cook the noodles.
- Boil water in a large pot. Add the egg noodles and cook until they’re just tender. Don’t overcook. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain the extra fat.
Mix it together.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, soup, milk, and half the cheese. Stir until everything is coated and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Bake.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Top it off.
- Take the casserole out and sprinkle the rest of the cheese and crispy onions on top. Bake for another 5 minutes until the onions turn golden and the cheese melts.
Serve.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken a bit so it holds together nicely.
How long do you bake beef and noodle casserole?
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, then top and bake 5 more minutes for a crispy finish.
Video
Notes
- Pasta: Use egg noodles for the classic texture — they stay soft and absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Beef: Brown ground beef with onions and garlic for a rich base flavor. Drain excess grease before mixing with sauce.
- Sauce: A mix of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese makes this casserole irresistibly creamy.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives a perfect melty top layer.
- Crispy Topping: French fried onions add the crunch — sprinkle them on just before the last few minutes of baking to keep them crisp.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time when cooking from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and cheesy again.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking (without onions) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake with fresh topping added before serving.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 520 kcal |Carbohydrates: 34 g |
Fiber: 2 g |
Sugars: 5 g |
Protein: 31 g |
Fat: 30 g |
Saturated Fat: 13 g |
Cholesterol: 105 mg |
Sodium: 810 mg |
Potassium: 520 mg |
Calcium: 240 mg |
Iron: 3.4 mg