French Onion Beef and Noodles

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that combines the flavors of French onion soup with tender beef and noodles, French Onion Beef and Noodles is the perfect dish for you. This savory casserole is loaded with caramelized onions, seasoned beef, rich broth, and melted gruyere cheese, making it an irresistible weeknight dinner. It’s a delicious twist on the classic French onion soup, with the added bonus of noodles to make it even more satisfying.

This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients, but it delivers bold, comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying a cozy meal at home, it’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Comfort Food

The combination of caramelized onions, savory beef, and melted cheese creates a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for colder days when you crave something warm and satisfying.

2. Easy One-Skillet Meal

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it cooks quickly, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in no time.

3. Rich, Savory Taste

The beef and broth combine to create a deep, savory flavor that’s complemented by the aromatic thyme and rosemary, giving it a French onion soup vibe with a twist.

4. Cheesy Delight

Topped with melted gruyere cheese, each bite of this dish is indulgent and creamy. It’s the perfect comfort food for cheese lovers.

5. Family-Friendly

With its familiar flavors and easy-to-eat noodles, this dish is a great option for families. It’s both filling and satisfying, and perfect for all ages.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Large onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper
• Beef broth
• Egg noodles
• Gruyere cheese, shredded

Variations

• Cheese Substitutes: If you can’t find gruyere cheese, Swiss cheese or mozzarella are great alternatives, though gruyere offers a distinctive nutty flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and substitute with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version that still has a rich, umami flavor.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, you can experiment with fresh or dried oregano, basil, or parsley for a different herbal profile.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the dish to increase the flavor and nutritional value.

How to Make French Onion Beef and Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until they begin to caramelize and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and become fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the broth to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

While the beef and onion mixture is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Top with Cheese

Once the broth has reduced, stir in the cooked egg noodles. Mix everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful beef and onion sauce. Sprinkle the shredded gruyere cheese on top.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat, garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Caramelize the Onions Slowly: The key to getting those rich, golden onions is to cook them slowly over medium heat. Be patient, as this step enhances the flavor of the dish.
• Use High-Quality Broth: The broth is the base of the sauce, so using a high-quality beef broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy when mixed with the beef and broth.
• Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, don’t hesitate to add a bit more shredded gruyere on top for extra cheesy goodness.

How to Serve

This French Onion Beef and Noodles is perfect for a cozy dinner, served with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or extra herbs for added richness and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to rehydrate the sauce.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop, adding extra broth as needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little beef broth or water to help loosen the sauce and noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but the dish will have a slightly different flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Gruyere is traditional, but Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar can be used as substitutes.

3. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach can be added to the dish to increase its nutritional value and add extra flavor.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

While egg noodles work best for this dish, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

5. How do I make this dish spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the onion mixture for an extra kick.

6. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the beef, onions, and broth mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and combine it with the cooked noodles and cheese when you’re ready to serve.

7. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, skip the beef and use mushrooms, lentils, or tofu as a meat alternative.

8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried—just double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

9. Can I use low-sodium beef broth?

Yes, low-sodium beef broth works well in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the seasoning to taste.

10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef and onions in a slow cooker for a few hours on low and then finish the dish by adding the cooked noodles and cheese.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. The combination of savory beef, caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese makes it a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. It’s easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients, making it a versatile recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

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