Description
A hearty and comforting French Onion Hamburger Casserole combining tender onions, flavorful ground beef, and pasta simmered in a rich French onion soup broth, topped with crispy fried onions and Parmesan cheese for a delightful crunch and savory finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 pounds ground beef (about 2 cups cooked)
- 1 ounce onion soup mix
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef stock
- 21 ounces condensed French onion soup (two 10.5-ounce cans)
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and melt butter: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter until fully liquefied and slightly bubbling to prepare for sautéing the onions.
- Sauté onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become just tender and translucent without browning, releasing their sweetness.
- Add beef, soup mix, and pasta: Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet with the onions, then sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the mixture. Stir in the uncooked pasta to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add liquids: Pour in 3 cups of beef stock and the condensed French onion soup. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is fully submerged under the broth.
- Bring to boil: Increase heat to bring the broth to a boil, ensuring the pasta starts cooking evenly in the rich liquid.
- Simmer covered: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
- Reduce broth uncovered: Remove the cover and continue to simmer uncovered, allowing the broth to reduce further so the casserole is moist but not soupy.
- Finish with toppings: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crispy fried onions. Add black pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a large skillet with a lid to ensure even cooking of the pasta and beef mixture.
- Do not overcook the onions in the first step; they should be tender but not caramelized for best flavor balance.
- Simmering uncovered in the final step helps thicken the casserole without adding extra ingredients.
- Crispy fried onions added last maintain their crunch and complement the creamy pasta texture.
- Can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
