Description
A comforting, hearty casserole that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with ground beef and pasta, topped with melty cheese for the perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or fried French onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution throughout the casserole.
- Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Be patient with this step as properly caramelized onions create the signature flavor of the dish.
- Cook the Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes depending on the heat of your stove.
- Add Seasonings
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. This brief cooking time ensures the garlic releases its flavor without burning.
- Create the Sauce
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. It’s important not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and onion mixture. Stir in the Swiss cheese to evenly distribute it throughout the casserole.
- Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create a delicious golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are starting to turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley or fried French onions before serving. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, you can deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of red wine after browning the beef.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Gruyère cheese can be substituted for Swiss for a more authentic French onion flavor.
- For a healthier version, use whole grain pasta and lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually taste better as the flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-French Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg