Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions
This cheesy beef and noodle casserole with crispy French onions is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy mushroom sauce, melty cheddar, savory beef, and a golden onion topping make it perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 oz egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1½ cups crispy French fried onions
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
1 cup frozen peas
Diced bell pepper
Sliced mushrooms
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Noodles:
Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Season the Beef:
Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, noodles, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Add optional veggies if using.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Add Onion Topping:
Sprinkle crispy French onions over the top and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until golden.
Rest and Serve:
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the onion topping just before baking.
Freezer friendly: Freeze assembled (unbaked) casserole tightly covered for up to 2 months.
Customize: Add peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
