French Onion Beef Noodle Bake – Irresistibly Delicious Comfort Food

If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, comforting meal that is packed with flavor, this French Onion Beef Noodle Bake is the perfect choice. Combining the deliciousness of caramelized onions, savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a melty cheese topping, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy both your appetite and your soul. It’s a dish perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering with family and friends. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers layers of flavors that everyone will enjoy. This guide will walk you through every detail you need to know to make this delicious bake, from prep time to serving tips. Let’s jump in!

Ingredients for French Onion Beef Noodle Bake

To make this delectable French Onion Beef Noodle Bake, you’ll need a set of simple and readily available ingredients. Here’s everything you need:

• 1 lb ground beef
  
  This will form the base of your dish, providing a hearty, protein-packed element.
• 1 large onion, sliced
  
  Onions are key for the rich, slightly sweet flavor that gives this bake its classic French onion flair.
• 2 cups egg noodles
  
  These provide the main carbohydrate base, making the dish filling and comforting.
• 1 cup beef broth
  
  Adds depth of flavor and keeps the dish moist.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
  
  Enhances the umami flavor in the dish.
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
  Adds a touch of savory garlic to balance the flavors.
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  
  Thyme is used to add aromatic earthiness to the beef mixture.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  
  Cheese brings everything together with a gooey, melty topping.
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  Adjust these to your liking to bring out all the flavors.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-5 people
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal

Directions for French Onion Beef Noodle Bake

Cooking this dish is straightforward, and we’ll go step-by-step to ensure a perfect result. Let’s break down each part of the preparation.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having the oven properly heated ensures that your bake cooks evenly and achieves the perfect bubbly cheesy top.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes around 8-10 minutes. Once they are cooked to a tender consistency, drain the noodles and set them aside. The noodles should be firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

Step 3: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook it until it is browned. Use a spoon to break the beef into smaller crumbles as it cooks. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the sliced onion to the skillet.

Cook the onions along with the beef for an additional 5-8 minutes until they turn soft and caramelized. This is a crucial step to bring out the sweetness of the onions, which pairs beautifully with the savory beef.

Next, add in the beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. The broth should reduce slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Take a baking dish and start the assembly. Layer the cooked noodles on the bottom of the dish, spreading them out evenly. Pour the beef and onion mixture over the noodles, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the dish, as this will create the classic, golden, bubbly topping everyone loves.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Place the assembled dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with some golden spots for added flavor and texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. Scoop a generous portion onto plates and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious beef noodle bake!

Tips for Making the Perfect French Onion Beef Noodle Bake

• Caramelize the Onions Well: Take your time with the onions. The key to that distinct French onion flavor is well-caramelized onions. Cook them low and slow until they’re soft and golden.
• Use Fresh Cheese: For best results, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can have added starch that prevents it from melting smoothly.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: If you like a bit of crunch, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top of the cheese before baking.

Benefits of French Onion Beef Noodle Bake

• Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with protein, carbs, and fat, making it a well-rounded meal perfect for a satisfying dinner.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of beef, caramelized onions, cheese, and noodles makes this dish the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Swap the beef for ground turkey or use gluten-free noodles if needed.

Conclusion: French Onion Beef Noodle Bake

French Onion Beef Noodle Bake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. With its rich combination of caramelized onions, savory beef, tender noodles, and cheesy topping, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite of this comforting classic.

Feel free to experiment with flavors, add a side salad, or even some garlic bread for a complete meal. Happy cooking!

FAQs About French Onion Beef Noodle Bake

French Onion Beef Noodle Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: PT45M
• Yield: 4–5 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook egg noodles according to package instructions (8-10 minutes), then drain and set aside.
• Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles.
• Add sliced onion to the beef and cook for 5-8 minutes until onions are soft and caramelized.
• Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Assemble in a baking dish: layer noodles on the bottom, pour beef and onion mixture over noodles, and top with shredded cheese.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of French onion soup with a beef and noodle bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: PT15M
• Cook Time: PT30M
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American/French Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/5 of casserole
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: N/A
• Sodium: N/A
• Fat: N/A
• Saturated Fat: N/A
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: N/A
• Carbohydrates: N/A
• Fiber: N/A
• Protein: N/A
• Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: comfort food, beef noodle bake, casserole, french onion, weeknight dinner, family meal, ground beef recipe, cheesy