Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I really enjoy how easy this casserole is to make, yet it feels like something special. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, and the result is a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal that tastes like home. I also like that it’s flexible—I can toss in extra vegetables, switch up the cheese, or make it ahead for busy days. Plus, those crispy French onions on top add the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

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

1 pound ground beef
8 ounces egg noodles
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups crispy French onions
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:
1 cup frozen peas
diced bell pepper
mushrooms

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. I cook the egg noodles in salted water until al dente, about a minute less than the package suggests. Then I drain them and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked, then drain off any excess fat.

4. I season the beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.

5. In a large bowl, I combine the cooked beef, noodles, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. I stir everything together until creamy and evenly coated.

6. I transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread it out evenly, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

7. I bake it for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

8. I remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the crispy French onions over the top, and bake again for 5–7 minutes until the onions are golden brown.

9. I let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 45 minutes. Each serving has around 520 calories, making it a hearty main course that’s perfect for family dinners.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For extra flavor, I like adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas directly into the mixture before baking. I’ve also used mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different cheesy twist. If I want a little spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to warm portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes so the topping stays crispy. The microwave works too, but I usually remove the onions before reheating and add fresh ones for the best crunch. This casserole also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I often assemble the casserole (without the French onion topping) a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to bake, I let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding the onions at the end.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, I sometimes use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom for a slightly different flavor.

What kind of noodles work best?

I like using wide egg noodles because they hold the creamy sauce well, but rotini or penne also work nicely if that’s what I have on hand.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, I replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

How can I keep the French onions crispy when storing leftovers?

I usually store the onions separately in an airtight container and add them on top after reheating. This keeps them nice and crunchy.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions is one of those comforting, reliable recipes I love making again and again. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly satisfying, with that golden onion topping that makes it irresistible. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser and a cozy classic I keep coming back to.