Name: Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles or wide pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions; Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers

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Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions is one of those hearty, comforting dinners I turn to when I need something filling and family-friendly. With tender noodles, savory ground beef, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a golden topping of crunchy French-fried onions, it’s a classic baked dish that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy. It’s easy to throw together with pantry staples, and it feeds a crowd without much effort. The French-fried onions on top add that satisfying crunch and salty bite that takes it over the top. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or just to have leftovers for the next day, it’s always a hit. Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions

Ingredients

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

Egg noodles or wide pasta
Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
French-fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: peas, corn, or bell peppers for added veggies

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I cook the noodles in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
I stir in the soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheddar, then season with salt and pepper.
I fold the cooked noodles into the beef mixture until everything is coated and combined.
I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
I bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the top.
I return the casserole to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, until the onions are golden and crisp.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people and takes about 45 minutes total—15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake.

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey or ground sausage for a different twist. If I want to sneak in veggies, I stir in frozen peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms. For a little heat, I add diced green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes. I’ve also made it with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella, depending on what I have in the fridge.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the oven at 350°F or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. If the casserole starts to dry out, I stir in a splash of broth or milk before reheating. Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble it up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. I add the French onions just before baking so they stay crispy.

Can I freeze this dish?

Definitely. I freeze the assembled casserole (without the onions) and bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time. I add the onions during the last few minutes of baking.

What type of noodles work best?

I like using wide egg noodles, but rotini or penne also work well. I make sure not to overcook them before baking to avoid mushy texture.

Can I make it without canned soup?

Yes. I’ve made a simple homemade sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese for a fresher version. It takes a few extra minutes but tastes great.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I usually serve it with a green salad or steamed veggies for balance. Garlic bread or roasted broccoli also make great sides.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole with Crispy French Onions is a satisfying, comforting meal that I love having in my dinner rotation. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with that irresistible crunch on top. Whether I’m making it for a crowd or just for cozy leftovers, it’s the kind of dish that always hits the spot.