When it comes to cozy, satisfying meals, few things hit the spot like a warm bowl of French Onion Beef and Noodles. This dish is everything you want in comfort food—tender beef, rich French onion flavors, creamy noodles, and a crunchy, crispy onion topping. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, yet fancy enough to serve to guests.
Today, I’m going to walk you through how to make this delicious one-pot meal. You’ll love how easy it is to bring together, with just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep time. Let’s get started!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- One-Pot Wonder: No need to juggle multiple pans—everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Rich, Deep Flavor: Thanks to the French onion soup and beef broth, this dish packs an incredible umami punch.
- Creamy, Yet Crispy: The combination of sour cream and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce, while crispy fried onions add texture.
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Here’s what you need to make this hearty meal:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds flavor and helps brown the beef.
- 1 pound beef stew meat – Tender chunks of beef that cook beautifully in broth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder & 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup – The star ingredient, adding a rich oniony taste.
- 3 cups beef broth – Helps tenderize the beef and cook the noodles.
- 12 ounces egg noodles – Classic, hearty, and perfect for absorbing flavors.
- ½ cup sour cream – Makes the sauce creamy and tangy.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup French fried onions – The final touch, bringing in a crispy, flavorful topping.
STEP 1: SEAR THE BEEF FOR MAXIMUM FLAVOR
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat, then season it with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the beef for 3-5 minutes, until it’s browned on all sides.
🔹 Pro Tip: Browning the beef properly locks in juices and creates a deep, rich flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pot—cook in batches if needed.
STEP 2: SIMMER WITH BROTH AND FRENCH ONION SOUP
Once the beef is nicely seared, pour in the French onion soup and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb all those delicious flavors.
🔹 Pro Tip: If you have extra time, let the beef simmer for 20-30 minutes to make it even more tender.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY, FLAVOR-PACKED FRENCH ONION BEEF AND NOODLES
Now that the beef has been simmering in that delicious broth and French onion soup mixture, it’s time to bring everything together. The next steps will transform this dish from a simple beef and broth combination into a creamy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor.
STEP 3: COOK THE NOODLES RIGHT IN THE BROTH
After the beef has simmered for about 10 minutes, it’s time to add the egg noodles directly into the pot. Stir everything together and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and have absorbed some of that rich broth.
🔹 Pro Tip: Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. The starch from the noodles will naturally thicken the broth, creating a silky texture.
STEP 4: MAKE IT CREAMY WITH SOUR CREAM AND PARMESAN
Once the noodles are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Now comes the magic touch—stir in the sour cream and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients will transform the dish into a creamy, luscious masterpiece.
The sour cream adds just the right amount of tanginess, balancing out the deep, savory flavors of the French onion soup and beef broth. Meanwhile, the Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty depth that brings everything together.
🔹 Pro Tip: Be sure to remove the pot from heat before adding sour cream. If the mixture is too hot, the sour cream may curdle instead of blending smoothly.
STEP 5: ADD THE CRISPY FRENCH FRIED ONIONS
Now for the finishing touch—the French fried onions. These crispy, golden onions add an irresistible crunch to every bite. Simply sprinkle them over the top just before serving to keep them crispy.
If you love a little extra crunch, you can also stir in a handful of the fried onions directly into the noodles before serving.
🔹 Pro Tip: Want an even more decadent dish? Try broiling the dish for 2-3 minutes after adding the fried onions. This will give them a toasted, extra-crispy texture that makes the dish even more delicious.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This French Onion Beef and Noodles recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out with a side dish, here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy, savory sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots add a nice balance to the richness of the dish.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the heaviness of the meal.
VARIATIONS AND CUSTOMIZATIONS
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can switch it up:
- Swap the Beef: Instead of beef stew meat, try using ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Make it Extra Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Spice it Up: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Use a Different Pasta: Egg noodles work great, but you can also use fettuccine, rotini, or even mashed potatoes as a base.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FRENCH ONION BEEF AND NOODLES
This rich and creamy dish is easy to make, but you might still have a few questions before getting started. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about French Onion Beef and Noodles.
CAN I MAKE THIS DISH AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes! If you want to prepare this meal in advance, cook everything except for the noodles and crispy onions. Store the beef and broth mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, bring the mixture back to a simmer, add the noodles, and cook until tender. Stir in the sour cream and Parmesan as usual, then top with fried onions before serving.
HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the noodles will continue absorbing liquid, so the dish may thicken as it sits. If needed, add a splash of beef broth or a little milk when reheating to loosen up the sauce.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REHEAT THIS DISH?
The best way to reheat French Onion Beef and Noodles is on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a little broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent the sour cream from separating.
CAN I FREEZE FRENCH ONION BEEF AND NOODLES?
Because of the sour cream and noodles, this dish isn’t ideal for freezing. The texture can become grainy, and the noodles tend to get mushy when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, prepare the beef and broth mixture without the noodles or sour cream. Freeze this portion in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked noodles and sour cream before serving.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF MEAT?
Yes! While beef stew meat is ideal for this dish, you can swap it out for:
- Ground beef – Brown it first, then proceed with the recipe.
- Shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Sliced mushrooms – A great vegetarian option that adds a meaty texture.
- Pork shoulder or ground pork – Adds a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF SOUR CREAM?
If you’re out of sour cream or prefer a substitute, try one of these options:
- Greek yogurt – Provides a similar tangy flavor with extra protein.
- Cream cheese – Makes the sauce even richer and thicker.
- Heavy cream – Adds creaminess without the tang.
- Coconut cream – A dairy-free alternative (though it will slightly alter the taste).
CAN I MAKE THIS IN A SLOW COOKER?
Absolutely! Here’s how:
- Sear the beef in a skillet as directed.
- Transfer it to a slow cooker with the French onion soup and beef broth. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Stir in the egg noodles and cook for another 15-20 minutes until soft.
- Mix in the sour cream and Parmesan, then top with crispy onions before serving.
French Onion Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This French Onion Beef and Noodles is a rich and comforting dish, packed with tender beef, savory French onion flavors, creamy noodles, and a crispy onion topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil
✅ 1 pound beef stew meat
✅ 1 teaspoon onion powder
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ Salt & pepper, to taste
✅ 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
✅ 3 cups beef broth
✅ 12 ounces egg noodles
✅ ½ cup sour cream
✅ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
✅ 1 cup French fried onions
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Sear the Beef: Add the beef stew meat and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3-5 minutes, until browned on all sides.
3️⃣ Simmer with Broth & Soup: Pour in the French onion soup and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let the beef cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to develop.
4️⃣ Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and continue simmering for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the broth.
5️⃣ Add the Creamy Ingredients: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with French fried onions before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
💡 For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
💡 Want a thicker sauce? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in before adding the noodles.
💡 Make it cheesy! Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minute
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
