French Onion Casserole

This French onion casserole is a savory comfort food favorite!

Noodle casseroles are always family and crowd pleasers. This French onion dip casserole is loaded with creamy noodles and has a crunchy topping made with French fried onions, Panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. It’s so easy to pull together, and it’s simple to customize to different taste preferences, too!

Crazy for French Onion Casserole

This new take on a meatless main dish goes with any kind of side salad or veggie and is easily transportable to a party or picnic.
Economical for big families and even bigger crowds, this casserole recipe is sure to be a year-round go-to recipe!
Have leftover veggies? Why not add them to this casserole for a tasty variation. It’s also a great way to use up leftover beef, chicken, or ham.

What’s in French Onion Casserole?

NOODLES: Egg noodles are wide, flat and hold up well in the onion sauce. Medium shells, penne or bowtie pasta all work equally as well.

SAUCE: French onion dip brings a subtle onion flavor to this creamy base. Substitute French onion soup in place of the beef broth for even more flavor.

TOPPING: Make a ‘gratin’ topping with French fried onions, Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Crushed corn flakes or salty crackers would work well as a substitute for the breadcrumbs.

ADD-INS: Bulk up French onion casserole with extra color and flavor with added green beans, chopped broccoli, white rice, or diced potatoes. Even a bag of frozen vegetable medley or some leftover oven roasted vegetables would be delicious and create a whole new recipe every time!

How to Make French Onion Casserole

Prepare noodles per package directions. Drain, but don’t rinse.
Cook sauce as directed, per the recipe below.
Combine sauce and noodles in a casserole dish and sprinkle on topping.
Bake until heated through. Let rest about 5 minutes before serving.

PRO TIP: For extra color and crunch, broil the casserole until the top is crispy and golden brown.

Time Saving Tips

Prepare the casserole in advance, chill, add topping, and bake when ready!
Onion dip will whisk in easier if it’s left at room temperature while the recipe is being prepared.

Leftovers?

Leftover French onion casserole tastes even better the next day! Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Freeze in zippered bags for up to 4 weeks. NOTE: Noodles won’t be as firm once thawed, but adding fresh noodles to the leftovers will refresh them!

Other Easy Noodle Casseroles!

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Make this savory onion noodle casserole with a creamy base and delicious crunchy topping!

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Servings servings

Author The Shortcut Kitchen

Ingredients

8 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion chopped
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 cup french onion dip or sour cream

Topping

⅓ cup french fried onions finely chopped
2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain well, do not rinse.
Meanwhile heat butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the flour to the onions and cook 1 minute.
Gradually stir in beef broth and simmer until slightly thickened. Whisk in the onion dip or sour cream. Combine the onion sauce and noodles in a 2 quart baking dish.
Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle overtop. Bake 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

If using sour cream, add additional seasonings including garlic powder, salt, pepper and paprika.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.