French Onion Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) roasted garlic cream of mushroom soup
- 1 container of portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small container French’s crispy fried onions
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add sliced portobello mushrooms and cook until they are tender and any liquid has evaporated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked egg noodles, French onion soup, roasted garlic cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded Swiss cheese, shredded Gruyère cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with French’s crispy fried onions, spreading them evenly over the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you desire a crispier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Beef Noodle Casserole!
To ensure your French Onion Beef Noodle Casserole turns out perfect, consider the following tips:
- Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the ground beef and mushrooms. Proper seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Saute Mushrooms: Take the time to properly sauté the portobello mushrooms. Cooking them until they’re tender and any released liquid has evaporated intensifies their flavor.
- Soup Consistency: If the French onion soup or roasted garlic cream of mushroom soup seems too thick, you can thin them slightly with a bit of beef or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Mixing Ingredients: Thoroughly mix the ingredients in the bowl to ensure an even distribution of flavors. This helps each bite to have a balance of all the delicious components.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the dish. Adjust the quantity to your taste, and consider adding it gradually while tasting to achieve the desired flavor.
- Cheese Choice: While the combination of Swiss and Gruyère cheese is classic for French onion soup, you can customize it based on your preferences. Experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a unique twist.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while baking to prevent overcooking. The goal is to melt the cheese and have a bubbly, golden top. Baking times can vary, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.
- Broiling: If you choose to broil for a crispy onion topping, do so for just a few minutes and monitor closely to avoid burning. Broiling can quickly change the texture of the dish.
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, chives, or thyme, to add a burst of freshness to the rich flavors.
Remember, cooking is an art, and you can always adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Beef Noodle Casserole!
