French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe

French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and seasoned ground beef with tender pasta and melted cheese. This casserole is perfect for a cozy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or fried French onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Step 7: In a large casserole dish, combine cooked pasta with the beef and onion mixture. Stir in shredded Swiss cheese.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped parsley or fried French onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use caramelized shallots instead of onions for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra earthiness.
• Top with extra crispy fried French onions for an added crunch.
• Use a mix of Swiss and Gruyère cheese for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the sauce well, but you can use any medium-sized pasta you prefer.

French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

This French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and tender pasta baked with melted Swiss and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it delivers rich flavor with a classic French onion twist in a convenient casserole format.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or fried French onions

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, breaking it up with a spoon for an even texture.
4. Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor.
5. Simmer Mixture: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
6. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
7. Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked pasta with the beef and onion mixture thoroughly. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese evenly.
8. Add Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a delicious cheesy crust.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or fried French onions for an added burst of flavor and crunch before serving.

Notes

• Be sure to caramelize onions slowly over medium heat to develop their full sweetness and depth.
• You can substitute beef broth with low sodium broth for a healthier option.
• For extra topping crunch, use fried French onions as a garnish instead of parsley.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: French onion casserole, beef pasta bake, caramelized onion casserole, one dish meal, comfort food