French Onion Beef Noodles are a perfect example of comfort food at its best. The classic French onion soup, rich in caramelized onions and beef broth, gets a savory upgrade in this dish, combining tender beef cubes and egg noodles. Over time, this dish has become a go-to for home cooks seeking a warm, hearty meal that’s both simple and satisfying. The combination of French onion soup and beef broth brings deep flavor, while the noodles add just the right amount of heartiness.
Why French Onion Beef Noodles are So Irresistible
What makes French Onion Beef Noodles so irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender beef, hearty noodles, and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal that’s both filling and comforting. The crispy fried onions on top provide an irresistible crunch, and the blend of savory beef broth and French onion soup brings depth and warmth to every bite. It’s the ultimate dish for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
French Onion Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds London broil beef, cut into 1-1½-inch cubes
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 32 ounces unsalted beef broth
- 10.5 ounces French onion soup
- 1.1 ounces beefy onion soup mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2.8 ounces crispy fried onions
Step-by-Step Guide to Making French Onion Beef Noodles
Here’s how you can bring this delicious dish to life:
- Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the beef cubes and onions, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-9 minutes. This step builds the base flavor of the dish.
2.Add Broth and Soups
Stir in the beef broth, French onion soup, beefy onion soup mix, salt, pepper, and parsley. Lower the heat to medium and let everything simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the flavorful broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
4.Finish with Sour Cream
Once the noodles are cooked, remove the lid, turn off the heat, and stir in the sour cream. This creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the noodles and beef perfectly.
5.Top with Fried Onions
Sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top and garnish with additional parsley, if desired. The fried onions give the dish a delightful crunch, contrasting with the creamy, soft noodles.
Key Ingredients for Perfect French Onion Beef Noodles
To make this dish stand out, you need to have the following ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the beef and onions to perfection.
- London Broil Beef: Cut into cubes, it’s a lean but tender choice that soaks up all the savory flavors.
- Yellow Onion: When sautéed, it caramelizes, contributing a natural sweetness that enhances the beef broth.
- Beef Broth: This forms the foundation of the sauce, providing a rich base for the beef and noodles.
- French Onion Soup: Adds depth and that signature French onion flavor.
- Beefy Onion Soup Mix: Brings an extra punch of savory, onion flavor to the mix.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
- Egg Noodles: These noodles perfectly absorb the flavors of the broth while remaining tender.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to the dish.
- Crispy Fried Onions: For a crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft noodles and beef.
Exploring Variations for Your French Onion Beef Noodles
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Add some chopped mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or mix in a handful of shredded cheese for an extra creamy texture. For a bit of heat, you could add a dash of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Tips for Perfect French Onion Beef Noodles Every Time
- Don’t skip the browning step: Browning the beef and onions before adding the broth enhances the flavor and creates a deeper, richer base for the dish.
- Use room-temperature beef: Let the beef come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Check the noodles: If the noodles are too firm after cooking, add a splash more broth or water and simmer until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Stir gently: When mixing in the sour cream, do so gently to keep the noodles intact and avoid breaking them.
The Magic of Sheet Pan Cooking
French Onion Beef Noodles are a one-pan meal, making them incredibly easy to clean up after! Sheet pan meals, like this one, offer a hassle-free way to cook dinner, ensuring everything is cooked evenly without a lot of mess. This type of cooking is perfect for busy nights when you want to feed the family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters
Each serving of French Onion Beef Noodles (based on 6 servings) offers a comforting balance of nutrition:
- Calories: 500-600 per serving
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 35-40g
- Sugar: 5-7g
To lighten the dish, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat beef broth. These small changes can help reduce the overall fat and calorie count.
Storing and Freezing Your French Onion Beef Noodles
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
To Freeze: It’s best not to freeze this dish because the noodles may become mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, store just the beef and sauce separately and cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Beef Noodles
French Onion Beef Noodles are hearty enough on their own, but you can elevate the dish with some sides! Pair it with a light side salad or a piece of garlic bread for a truly comforting meal. The creamy sauce makes it the perfect dish to dip fresh bread into.
Essential Baking Tools and Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan (if preferred)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Stirring spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and broth portion in advance, then cook the noodles and finish the dish right before serving.
Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes, you can substitute London broil with chuck roast or sirloin, though London broil provides the best texture for this recipe.
What can I serve with this?
Garlic bread or a simple side salad would pair wonderfully with this dish.
Quick and Easy French Onion Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds beef
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup onion
- 32 ounces beef broth
- 1 can French onion soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- Crispy fried onions
Instructions:
- Sauté beef and onions in butter.
- Add broth and soup, simmer.
- Stir in noodles, cook until tender.
- Mix in sour cream, top with fried onions.
Key Takeaways
French Onion Beef Noodles are an easy, satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with hearty beef and noodles. With the option to add your personal twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike
French Onion Beef Noodles
Description
Tender beef, savory French onion flavor, and creamy noodles make this dish a comforting favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds London broil beef, cut into cubes
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 32 ounces beef broth
- 10.5 ounces French onion soup
- 1.1 ounces beefy onion soup mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2.8 ounces crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Brown beef and onions in butter.
- Add broth, French onion soup, and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in noodles, cook until tender.
- Stir in sour cream, top with crispy fried onions.
Notes
Prep time: 15 minutes, Cook time: 30 minutes, Total time: 45 minutes, Servings: 6.