If you’re a fan of the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and the hearty satisfaction of beef and noodles, you’re in for a treat! French Onion Beef and Noodles is the perfect combination of both dishes. Tender beef, caramelized onions, and a luscious onion-infused sauce are tossed with egg noodles for a cozy, one-pot meal that’s sure to impress. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to serve for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.Let’s cooking our French Onion Beef and Noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Onion Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced sirloin steak)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize onions)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
Noodles:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Caramelize the Onions
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Sprinkle with sugar if using, to enhance the caramelization. - Brown the Beef
Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef or sirloin slices. Cook until browned, breaking up the ground beef with a spoon if using. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. - Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture and stir well to coat. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for 3–5 minutes. - Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until it melts into the sauce. If desired, add heavy cream for a creamier texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes. - Serve and Garnish
Transfer the French Onion Beef and Noodles to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Caramelizing Onions
Patience is key! Cook the onions slowly over medium heat for the best flavor. Avoid high heat, which can cause burning. - Use Quality Cheese
Gruyère or Swiss cheese adds the signature French onion flavor. For a sharper taste, mix in a little Parmesan. - Enhance the Beef Flavor
If using ground beef, opt for 80/20 for a richer flavor. For sirloin, sear it quickly to retain tenderness. - Thicken the Sauce
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option
Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free egg noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. - Cheesy Upgrade
Top the dish with extra cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Slow Cooker Method
Combine the onions, browned beef, broth, and seasonings in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cooked noodles, cheese, and cream before serving.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef and onion sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Cook the noodles fresh and mix them with the sauce just before serving.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Gruyère is the classic choice for its nutty flavor, but Swiss or mozzarella can work in a pinch.
Can I substitute the egg noodles?
Absolutely! Try fettuccine, pappardelle, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty French bread to soak up the sauce.