French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole

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This French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole is a hearty, comfort food classic packed with savory flavor. Sweet caramelized onions and seasoned ground beef are simmered in a rich beef broth, then tossed with tender pasta and melty Swiss cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley or crispy French onions for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly and family-approved

• Loaded with high-protein beef and cheesy comfort food appeal

• Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and potlucks

• Ready in under an hour with simple pantry staples

Ingredients Breakdown

Base & Protein

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the onions and browning the beef.

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced – The star ingredient, caramelized for rich, sweet depth.

• 1 pound ground beef – Adds hearty protein and richness to the casserole.

Aromatics & Seasoning

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic depth.

• 1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Basic seasoning to balance flavors.

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A warm, herbaceous note that complements the onions.

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Boosts umami and enhances the beef flavor.

Liquid & Pasta

• 2 cups beef broth – Forms a savory base and keeps the mixture moist.

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini) – Holds sauce well and adds substance to each bite.

Cheese & Topping

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully and pairs well with caramelized onions.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty flavor on top.

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or fried French onions – For garnish and extra texture.

Tips and Tricks

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a deeper caramel flavor.

• Don’t rush the onions—low and slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.

• Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more gourmet twist.

Variations and Customizations

• Add mushrooms to the onion and beef mixture for a beef stroganoff vibe.

• Use gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly.

• Stir in spinach or kale for added greens.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve this casserole with:

• A crisp green salad

• Roasted garlic breadsticks

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze in a foil-covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F.

Popular Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyère all work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce and beef.

French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Caramelized onions, savory beef, and tender pasta baked in a rich broth with melty Swiss—topped with crispy onions for the ultimate comfort bite

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups beef broth

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or crispy fried French onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 9×13 casserole dish or similar.

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2. Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.

3. Cook the Beef

Add ground beef to the onions and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 5 minutes.

5. Cook the Pasta

While the beef simmers, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared casserole dish, combine cooked pasta, beef and onion mixture, and Swiss cheese. Stir to combine evenly.

7. Top and Bake

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley or crispy fried onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Notes

• This recipe is a great meal prep option—portion and pack it for grab-and-go lunches.

• Want a bolder flavor?

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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