French Onion Beef Noodle Bliss
Recipe Introduction: French Onion Beef & Noodle Bliss!
Fancy a bit of french onion beef and noodles ? Honestly, who doesn't love the idea of a beef noodle casserole with that gorgeous French onion soup flavour? This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, trust me!
Why This French Onion Beef Recipe, Though?
This isn't just another easy casserole recipe . This recipe brings together the best of both worlds! Think rich, savory, deeply caramelised onions mixed with tender braised beef and comforting egg noodles.
We're talking next level winter comfort food , my friend.
What's the Story Behind it?
I picture this recipe as a comforting hug in a bowl, kind of like a cross between Shepherd's Pie and french onion soup casserole .
It takes about 1 hour 55 minutes from start to finish and serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for a relaxed Sunday roast or a get-together with friends.
It's definitely a solid medium difficulty.
The Good Stuff!
The real star here? That amazing depth of flavor, which comes from the long, slow caramelisation of the onions. Not to mention all that protein, coming in at a solid 40-50g per portion! If you like a twist on beef, this can be considered one of the beef stroganoff variations .
It's also a brilliant way to use up leftover braised beef. This version of braised beef and noodles is amazing.
Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty and talk ingredients, shall we? Who wouldn't want to know more about caramelized onion beef stew and how they turn into culinary gold with the perfect gruyere cheese recipes ?
Ingredients & Equipment: The Heart of French Onion Beef & Noodles
Okay, so you're ready to dive into this french onion beef and noodles masterpiece, right? Honestly, the ingredient list might look a little long at first, but trust me, it's mostly stuff you probably already have lurking in your cupboard.
The result is worth it. It tastes like beef stroganoff variations and braised beef and noodles mixed together! Let's break it down.
Main Players
- Onions, glorious onions: You'll need 3 large yellow onions (about 900g). Thinly sliced, mind you. Quality matters! Look for firm onions with no soft spots.
- Butter and olive oil: 3 tablespoons (45g) of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil are a must.
- Sweetness and spice: We're talking 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Red wine magic: A splash – ¼ cup (60ml) of dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth.
- Beefy goodness: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) of beef chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes. Look for good marbling!
- Beefy flavour: 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 6 cups (1.4 liters) of beef broth, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Worcestershire sauce, 1 bay leaf , and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme are key.
- Noodles: 1 lb (approximately 450g) of egg noodles. Wide or medium, dealer's choice.
- Cheesy Heaven : 4 ounces (115g) each of shredded Gruyere and Swiss. Fresh parsley to garnish (optional). Think melty, gooey gruyere cheese recipes .
This dish feels like a warm hug in the winter, perfect winter comfort food . This is definitely one of my favorite comfort food recipes and a great option if you are looking for easy casserole recipes .
Seasoning Notes: Amp Up the Flavor!
Don't underestimate the power of good seasoning. For this french onion beef , the combination of thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce creates this deeply savory foundation.
If you are looking for a savory dish similar to caramelized onion beef stew with a creamy and cheesy component, you will love this french onion soup casserole .
Want to switch things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Or, if you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a dash of soy sauce can work in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Okay, no fancy gadgets needed here. You'll want:
- A large Dutch oven. Honestly, this is your hero piece.
- A large skillet.
- A 9x13 inch baking dish. I've used a glass one for years.
- Cutting board and chef's knife. Obvious, right?
Don't have a Dutch oven? A heavy bottomed pot will do the trick. No 9x13 dish? Just use whatever casserole dish you've got! The most important thing is to get cooking and enjoy this easy casserole recipes !
So, there you have it. The lowdown on ingredients and equipment for our french onion beef and noodles .
French Onion Beef & Noodle Bliss: Proper Comfort Food
Oh my gosh, you have to try this french onion beef and noodles . Seriously. It's like a beef noodle casserole hug in a bowl.
Think french onion soup casserole meets beef stroganoff variations, but way easier than you'd expect. Honestly, this comfort food recipe is what you need on a chilly night.
It's a proper win!
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!
First things first, let's get organized, shall we? Slice up 3 large yellow onions thinly. Then, cube your 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast into about 1 inch pieces.
Grate that 4 ounces Gruyere cheese and 4 ounces Swiss cheese . Mince those 2 cloves garlic too. Getting this done beforehand makes the whole process a breeze.
step-by-step Process: From Simmer to Scrumptious
Alright, time to cook! Follow these steps.
- Caramelize onions in a large skillet with 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium low heat. Add 1 teaspoon sugar , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper . Cook for 30- 40 minutes , stirring. Be patient.
- Deglaze with 1/4 cup red wine , scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Sear beef in a Dutch oven with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper .
- Add 6 cups beef broth , 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce , 1 bay leaf , and 1 teaspoon thyme to the Dutch oven. Simmer.
- Return beef. Braise for 1 hour . Remove the bay leaf.
- Cook 1 lb egg noodles until al dente. Drain.
- Combine noodles and beef. Pour in 9x13 inch baking dish . Top with onions and cheese. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes .
Pro Tips: Voila!
Low and slow for the onions. Don't rush it! And a little secret? Try adding a dash of balsamic vinegar to the onions at the end.
It adds a certain zing. Common mistake to avoid? Overcooking the noodles. Trust me, nobody likes mushy noodles. For braised beef and noodles, make sure the beef is fork tender! Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt properly.
Looking for a winter comfort food that'll knock your socks off? You found it. And the cheesy, oniony goodness? A perfect gruyere cheese recipes .
You're welcome.
This french onion beef recipe is great!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your French Onion Beef & Noodle Bliss
Right then, let's talk shop about this fantastic french onion beef and noodles casserole, shall we? This isn't just some thrown together comfort food recipe , it's about creating a proper experience, innit? So, here are some little tidbits that'll make your dish sing.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Listen, nobody wants a beige blob on their plate. Think about presentation . A sprinkle of fresh parsley honestly does wonders.
Imagine a hearty helping, steaming gently, perhaps served alongside a simple green salad to cut through the richness. And a hunk of crusty bread? Oh my gosh, you've got to have it for soaking up all that glorious sauce.
Trust me, the bread is essential. For drinks, I'd say a light red wine or even a crisp pint of lager.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
If you’ve got leftovers (which, let's be honest, is unlikely!), pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. They'll be good for about 3-4 days .
Fancy freezing? Go for it. Just let it cool completely first and then freeze in portion sizes. When you're ready to tuck in, defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until piping hot.
Just be warned, the noodles might be a bit softer after freezing.
Variations: Spicing Things Up!
Feel like being a bit adventurous? Instead of beef, try some braised chicken thighs for a lighter version. Or, if you're veggie, use chunky mushrooms for a brilliant vegetarian beef noodle casserole .
You could also swap the gruyere for a strong cheddar for a more robust flavour. For a bit of a kick, chuck in some chili flakes when caramelizing the onions.
Bam!
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
Alright, so this french onion beef creation isn’t exactly health food. But hey, it's winter comfort food ! You are looking at roughly 550-650 calories per serving, along with plenty of protein (thanks to the beef) and some good carbs (from the noodles).
Remember, it's all about balance, innit?
I think this french onion soup casserole might just become your new favourite! Honestly, it's like a warm hug on a cold day.
Give it a whirl, and let me know how you get on! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my onions from burning when I'm caramelizing them for this french onion beef and noodles recipe?
Patience is key, my friend! Caramelizing onions is a slow process. Keep the heat on medium low, stir them frequently (especially at the beginning), and add a splash of water or broth if they start to stick or brown too quickly.
Think of it like tending a prize winning rose bush gentle and consistent care yields the best results.
Can I make this french onion beef and noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Then, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like prepping for a Sunday roast on a Saturday less stress on the big day!
What kind of beef is best for french onion beef and noodles?
Chuck roast is your best bet for this recipe. It's got a good amount of marbling, which means it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it braises in the broth. Think of it as the beefy equivalent of a well worn leather armchair comforting and reliable.
I don't have Gruyere cheese. What's a good substitute for this french onion beef and noodles recipe?
No worries! Gruyere has a lovely nutty flavour, but you can easily swap it out. Swiss cheese is the closest in terms of flavour and melting properties. Alternatively, Emmental or Jarlsberg are decent choices too. It is like choosing between different kinds of cheddar- they are all great!
How should I store leftover french onion beef and noodles?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If you fancy freezing it, portion into freezer safe containers.
It's best within 2-3 months - think of it as a back-up plan for a busy week!
French Onion Beef Noodle Bliss
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
