Description
French Onion Beef and Noodles is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender beef with caramelized onions and rich French onion soup flavors, all tossed with egg noodles and topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This classic American main course is perfect for cozy dinners and offers a delicious twist on traditional beef and noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin or stew meat, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef lightly with salt and black pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter along with the thinly sliced onions to the same pan. Cook the onions for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add Garlic and Soup Mix: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the French onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme to the pan. Scrape the bottom to release any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer the Beef: Return the browned beef to the pan and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the flavorful broth.
- Cook and Combine Noodles: While the beef simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add the noodles to the beef and onion mixture. Stir to combine and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the noodles absorb the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top. Cover the pan and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, savory topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot as a satisfying main course.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking before adding the cheese.
- This dish can be finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese topping—just watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Use sirloin for tender slices or stew meat for a more rustic texture.
- Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese if Gruyère is unavailable for a similar flavor profile.
