Cheesy French Onion Hamburger Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)

Hearty casserole of beef, potatoes, cheese, and crispy onions for a cozy family meal.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Meat and Aromatics

01 - 450 grams ground beef or preferred ground meat
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 5 garlic cloves, minced

→ Seasonings and Sauces

04 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
05 - 1 tablespoon salt-free garlic herb seasoning blend
06 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 tablespoon beef bouillon paste or powder
08 - 120 milliliters water or low-sodium beef broth
09 - 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
10 - 1 ounce onion soup mix

→ Vegetables and Alliums

11 - 1.15 kilograms russet or yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces

→ Dairy and Creamy Components

12 - 298 grams cream of mushroom soup or equivalent cream soup
13 - 120 milliliters milk
14 - 200 grams freshly grated Colby Jack cheese or preferred melting cheese

→ Fats and Oils

15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Topping

16 - 30–60 grams crispy fried onions

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until meat is well browned and onions are softened, stirring regularly. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic herb seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, and water or broth. Mix thoroughly, reduce heat, and allow the mixture to simmer gently.
03 - Microwave peeled and chopped potatoes for 8 minutes until slightly tender, or parboil in simmering water for approximately 5 minutes. Drain if needed.
04 - Toss softened potatoes with olive oil and onion soup mix in a 33x23 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Spread potatoes evenly across the base. Spoon the beef mixture over the potatoes, creating an even layer.
05 - In a bowl, whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper until fully blended.
06 - Pour the prepared cream sauce over the casserole. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 35 minutes.
07 - Remove foil. Sprinkle grated cheese and crispy fried onions evenly over top. Return casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 7–10 minutes until cheese is thoroughly melted and onions are golden.
08 - Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Extra Information:

01 - Parboiling or microwaving the potatoes prevents them from remaining undercooked during baking, ensuring a tender final dish.