French Onion Beef and Noodles

French Onion Beef and Noodles is a comforting, savory one-pot meal that brings together tender beef, caramelized onions, and egg noodles in a rich, flavorful sauce. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this dish takes that deep umami flavor and turns it into a hearty pasta dinner I can whip up with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines the rich taste of French onion soup with the comforting texture of noodles. It’s a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that comes together quickly and easily. Everything cooks in one pot, which means cleanup is a breeze. The beef turns out tender, the onions sweet and savory, and the noodles soak up all the incredible flavor. It’s perfect for chilly nights or when I just want something cozy and filling.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or stew beef, if preferred)

• Yellow onions, thinly sliced

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Beef broth

• Worcestershire sauce

• Garlic, minced

• Egg noodles

• French onion soup (canned or homemade)

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

directions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, I heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

2. I add the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring often, until they become caramelized and golden brown—about 15–20 minutes.

3. I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

4. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I season with salt and pepper.

5. Once the beef is browned, I pour in the French onion soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. I stir to combine.

6. I bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the egg noodles.

7. I cover the pot and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the sauce.

8. If I want to add cheese, I sprinkle it on top, cover for a minute, and let it melt into the dish.

9. I finish with a sprinkle of thyme or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes use stew beef or chuck roast instead of ground beef for a more stew-like version—just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s tender.

• To make it creamy, I stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream at the end.

• For a low-carb version, I swap out the noodles with zucchini noodles or serve it over mashed cauliflower.

• I’ve also tried adding mushrooms to boost the umami even more.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave a portion for 1–2 minutes or warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen up the noodles. This dish also freezes well—I just cool it completely, portion it into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, I’ve used rotini, penne, and even rice noodles. I just adjust the cooking time depending on the noodle type.

How do I caramelize the onions properly?

I cook them low and slow in butter and olive oil, stirring frequently. It usually takes 15–20 minutes to get them perfectly golden and sweet.

Can I make this in advance?

Definitely. I often make it a day ahead—the flavors get even better after sitting overnight. I reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

What kind of cheese works best?

Gruyère gives it that classic French onion flavor, but I’ve also used mozzarella, provolone, or a mix of cheeses when that’s what I have on hand.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, if I use stew beef, I brown it first, then cook it with the onions, soup, and broth on low for 6–8 hours. I stir in cooked noodles just before serving.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef and Noodles is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It brings together all the best parts of a soup and a pasta dish in one pot. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s always a hit.