Onion Beef Casserole
A hearty and comforting beef casserole featuring savory ground beef, onion soup flavor, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, flour, onion soup mix, and water to the skillet.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then add cooked macaroni.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions and garlic with the ground beef before adding other ingredients. If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can use a blend of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and beef bouillon. For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. This casserole also works well with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Serving Suggestions
This Onion Beef Casserole makes a hearty main dish that pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a side of garlic bread. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from overcooking. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if the casserole seems dry after refrigeration.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Onion Beef Casserole contains roughly 581 calories, with 23g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1019mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta in this casserole?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente before adding to the casserole, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze Onion Beef Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely after baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).