Introduction
Hey there! Today I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: French Onion Beef Casserole. This dish brings back so many memories for me and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I want to impress my guests or simply indulge in a hearty, comforting meal. My family goes crazy for this because it’s packed with incredible flavors and textures. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the flavorful broth, while the caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element. And let’s not forget about the melted cheese on top that creates a deliciously gooey crust. It’s pure comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this French Onion Beef Casserole:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Feel free to make some substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, I sometimes use chuck roast instead of beef stew meat when I’m in a hurry. You can also experiment with different types of cheese if you’re not a fan of Gruyere. The possibilities are endless!
Directions
Let’s get started on this mouthwatering casserole:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.
- While the onions are caramelizing, season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. In a separate skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides. This step adds a nice depth of flavor to the casserole.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the caramelized onions and garlic to a large baking dish. Place the browned beef stew meat on top of the onions.
- In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese on top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the casserole is baking, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside.
- Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the French Onion Beef Casserole over the cooked egg noodles and enjoy!
Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage – it always does! The magic happens in the oven, and the end result is absolutely delicious. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks to make this French Onion Beef Casserole even more amazing:
- For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the beef broth mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with the beef broth before adding it to the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Variations
I love experimenting in the kitchen, and this recipe is no exception. Here are a few variations I’ve tried:
- Instead of using beef stew meat, you can use boneless chicken thighs for a twist on the classic French Onion Casserole. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and pairs well with the caramelized onions.
- If you’re a vegetarian, you can substitute the beef stew meat with portobello mushrooms. The mushrooms have a meaty texture and absorb the flavors of the onions and broth.
- For a gluten-free version, simply replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or serve the casserole over mashed potatoes.
Feel free to get creative with your own variations and let me know in the comments how they turn out!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this French Onion Beef Casserole with a simple green salad on the side. The freshness of the salad balances out the richness of the casserole perfectly. You can also enjoy it with some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy!
Pro Tips
Based on my own mistakes and lessons learned, here are a few pro tips to ensure the best results:
- Take the time to properly caramelize the onions. It may seem like a tedious process, but it’s worth it for the deep, sweet flavors they bring to the casserole.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. The longer the casserole simmers in the oven, the more tender and flavorful the beef will become.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a slow cooker instead. Simply follow the same steps but cook the casserole on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply prepare it as instructed, let it cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bags. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While Gruyere cheese is traditional and adds a rich, nutty flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses. Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone would all work well in this casserole.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Of course! While beef stew meat is convenient, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or even sirloin steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure tender meat.
Q: Can I make this casserole without onions?
A: The caramelized onions are a key component of this recipe and add a lot of flavor. However, if you’re not a fan of onions, you can reduce the amount or substitute them with thinly sliced bell peppers.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
A: Absolutely! Fresh herbs always add a vibrant flavor to dishes. If you have fresh thyme on hand, you can use it instead of dried thyme. Just double the amount since fresh herbs are a bit milder in flavor.
Q: Can I make this casserole without balsamic vinegar?
A: While balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness to the dish, you can omit it if you don’t have any. The casserole will still be delicious thanks to the caramelized onions and Worcestershire sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it – my take on the mouthwatering French Onion Beef Casserole. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. It’s a true comfort food classic that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, get your oven preheated, and let’s cook up something amazing together!
French Onion Beef Casserole
French Onion Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese. This crowd-pleaser is full of incredible flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and caramelize for 20-25 minutes.
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Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then brown in a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for another minute.
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Transfer onions and garlic to a baking dish, place browned beef stew meat on top.
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Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme, then pour over beef and onions.
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Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours until beef is tender.
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Remove foil, sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese on top, and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
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Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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Serve the French Onion Beef Casserole over cooked egg noodles.