Beef French Onion Casserole

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, look no further than this Beef French Onion Casserole. Combining the rich, caramelized sweetness of onions with hearty ground beef and topped with melty cheese and crunchy bread cubes, this casserole is comfort food elevated. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy all the classic French onion soup flavors in a casserole form that’s easy to serve and share.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Beef French Onion Casserole brings the best of both worlds: the deep, savory essence of traditional French onion soup and the heartiness of a baked casserole. The secret lies in slow-cooking the onions until they’re golden and sweet, then layering them with seasoned ground beef and soaking the cubed bread in a rich beef broth infused with herbs and garlic. Topped with a blend of Swiss and mozzarella cheese, the casserole bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection.

What makes this recipe particularly special is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary and comforting. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is actually straightforward to prepare. If you love dishes like Swiss Steak, this casserole will fit right into your meal rotation with ease.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef – Choose lean or medium ground beef for a balance of flavor and fat.
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced – Yellow onions work best for their natural sweetness when caramelized.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that complements beef and onions beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a subtle earthiness.
• 4 cups beef broth – Use a quality broth for the best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami and adds complexity.
• 2 cups French bread, cubed – Slightly stale bread works well to soak up the broth without becoming mushy.
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese – Melts well and has a mild, nutty flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey texture and stretch.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To season.

How To Make Beef French Onion Casserole

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. This step is crucial for building the rich flavor base of the casserole. Add the minced garlic in the last 2 minutes and sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and season with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Combine the browned beef with the caramelized onions, stirring to mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a medium saucepan, warm the beef broth with Worcestershire sauce. This broth will soak into the bread cubes and infuse the casserole with savory flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the cubed French bread evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and onion mixture over the bread layer. Pour half of the warm broth evenly over the top to moisten the bread. Sprinkle with half of the shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, beef and onion mixture, broth, and cheese. Press down lightly to help everything settle together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the caramelization of onions: This step takes time but is essential for flavor depth. Rushing it will result in less savory and sweet onions.
• Using fresh bread instead of slightly stale: Fresh bread can become soggy quickly and lose texture in the casserole.
• Not draining excess fat from the beef: Too much grease can make the casserole oily.
• Over-soaking the bread: Pour broth evenly but avoid saturating the bread to the point of mushiness.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste the beef and onion mixture and adjust salt and pepper before layering.

Variations and Customizations

• Swap ground beef for ground lamb or turkey for a different protein twist.
• Add mushrooms sautéed with the onions for an extra earthy flavor.
• Use different cheeses like Gruyère or provolone for a unique taste profile.
• Stir in fresh herbs such as parsley or chives after baking for bright flavor.
• For a creamier casserole, add a splash of cream to the broth before pouring over the layers.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Beef French Onion Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through. This casserole also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, while French bread is ideal for its texture and flavor, you can substitute with sourdough, ciabatta, or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for the best results.

Is it necessary to use both Swiss and mozzarella cheese?

Using both cheeses creates a great balance of flavor and meltiness. Swiss provides nuttiness, while mozzarella adds gooey stretch. You can use just one cheese if preferred, but the combination is highly recommended.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavor rich.

This Beef French Onion Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Its blend of caramelized onions, savory beef, and cheesy bread topping makes it a memorable meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

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