French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole

This French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole is a cozy, hearty dish that combines tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, savory sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting oven-baked meal that feels special yet simple enough for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole brings together the deep, savory flavor of classic French onion soup with the satisfying heartiness of a pasta bake. It is filling, family-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you can easily find. The caramelized onions add natural sweetness, the beef makes it protein-rich, and the cheesy topping gives it an irresistible finish. It’s also a great make-ahead dish for busy days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

500 g ground beef
300 g dry pasta (penne or fusilli)
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup grated cheese suitable for baking
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized.
4. Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
7. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
8. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until evenly coated with the sauce.
10. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and spread evenly.
11. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and grated baking cheese evenly over the top.
12. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
13. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6 people
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

You can add sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra depth of flavor. For a creamier texture, stir in 0.5 cup of cooking cream before baking. Swap the pasta shape with rigatoni or shells if preferred. You can also add a pinch of paprika or nutmeg for a subtle flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 170°C for about 15 minutes, covered with foil.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to one day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well.

Can I use sliced beef instead of ground beef?

Yes, thinly sliced beef can be used, but it should be cooked until tender before adding the sauce ingredients.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Do not overbake, and make sure the pasta is well coated with sauce before baking.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, but the casserole will be less rich. You can replace cheese with a light breadcrumb topping if desired.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this hearty dish.

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works well, but cook it slightly less than al dente before baking.

How do I get deeper onion flavor?

Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat and avoid rushing the caramelization process.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can be added for extra nutrition and color.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef and Pasta Casserole is a satisfying, comforting meal that blends rich onion flavor, tender beef, and cheesy pasta into one delicious dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with guests, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite on your table.

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