Craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender beef and noodles? Look no further than French Onion Beef and Noodles a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This dish is packed with tender beef, savory broth, creamy sour cream, and the irresistible crunch of French fried onions. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand.
One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, less stress everything cooks in one pot!
Comfort Food Vibes: Think of this as a cross between French onion soup and beef stroganoff, but with a unique twist.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this is an easy meal to whip up, even on busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef to perfection.
1 pound beef stew meat: Tender and flavorful, perfect for this hearty dish.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds extra oniony goodness to complement the French onion soup.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a bit of savory depth.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Always essential for bringing out the flavors.
1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup: The star of the dish, giving it that rich, savory onion flavor.
3 cups beef broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for cooking the noodles.
12 ounces egg noodles: Wide egg noodles work perfectly here, soaking up all the delicious broth.
½ cup sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy element to balance the rich broth.
¼ cup Parmesan cheese: For a cheesy, savory touch.
1 cup French fried onions: The crunchy topping that brings the whole dish together!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat the Oil

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This will get your pot nice and hot, ready to sear the beef and lock in all those delicious juices.

2. Sear the Beef

Once the oil is hot, add your 1 pound of beef stew meat to the pot. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Sear the beef for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides. This searing process helps to build the flavor base of the dish.

3. Simmer with Soup and Broth

Once the beef is seared, pour in 1 can of French onion soup and 3 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and let the beef cook for about 10 minutes—this will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become more tender.

4. Cook the Noodles

After the beef has simmered, stir in 12 ounces of egg noodles. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed all the savory broth. If the liquid gets too low, you can add a bit more broth or water.

5. Add Dairy

Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in ½ cup sour cream and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined. The sour cream will add a creamy richness to the dish, while the Parmesan gives it a cheesy, umami boost.

6. Serve with Crunchy Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle 1 cup of French fried onions over the top of the dish. These crispy onions add the perfect contrast to the creamy noodles and tender beef. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best French Onion Beef and Noodles

Sear the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the searing process it adds a lot of flavor to the dish!
Use Wide Egg Noodles: They’re ideal for soaking up all the broth and flavors.
Customize the Cheese: You can swap out Parmesan for cheddar or even Gruyère if you want a cheesier dish.

Customizations and Variations

Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms or sautéed spinach for extra veggies and texture.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Make It Cheesy: Want a cheesier dish? Top with shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread is always a good idea with a saucy pasta dish.
Green Salad: Balance out the richness with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Steamed Veggies: Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the sour cream, which may separate during reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 19g

Final Thoughts

French Onion Beef and Noodles is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s got all the flavors of French onion soup but with tender beef and creamy noodles that make it even more satisfying. With just one pot and simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in under an hour!