Mediterranean French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole
A cozy, cheesy casserole that brings French onion flavor into the heart of the Mediterranean.
This Mediterranean twist on a classic ground beef noodle casserole is packed with savory caramelized onions, herbs, lean ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy base that ties it all together. It’s layered with bold Mediterranean flavors like oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, and finished with a crispy topping for a comfort-food-meets-elegance dinner. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
For the Beef & Onion Filling:
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (for depth)
For the Sauce & Assembly:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk (or half milk + broth)
½ cup grated mozzarella or fontina cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
8 oz (about 2½ cups) egg noodles or pasta, cooked al dente
¼ cup chopped parsley or basil
Topping:
½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Gruyère, or Parmesan)
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft.
Add garlic, oregano, paprika, and balsamic vinegar; sauté 1–2 more minutes.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Push onions to the side and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Stir in mozzarella and feta until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine and Assemble:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, beef-onion mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir in chopped herbs.
Pour into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
Add Topping & Bake:
Mix shredded cheese and panko with olive oil or butter. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips
Caramelize Slowly:
Don’t rush the onions — low and slow cooking (15–20 min) brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
Drain Excess Grease:
If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before mixing with the onions to prevent a greasy casserole.
Undercook the Noodles Slightly:
Cook pasta 1–2 minutes under al dente so it holds up after baking and doesn’t get mushy.
Cheese Choices:
Use a combination of melty cheese (like mozzarella or Gruyère) and flavorful cheese (like feta or Parmesan) for the best balance.
Bake Until Golden:
Broil the last 1–2 minutes for a beautifully crisp, golden topping — just don’t walk away!
Variations
Swap the Protein:
Use ground lamb, chicken, or turkey for different flavor profiles — lamb adds richness, while poultry keeps it lighter.
Vegetarian Option:
Replace beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based ground for a hearty, meatless version.
Go Gluten-Free:
Use GF pasta and cornstarch or GF flour for the roux.
Add Veggies:
Toss in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper for a Mediterranean-style heat.
Make Ahead Friendly:
Assemble and refrigerate (uncooked) up to 24 hours in advance. Let sit at room temp 15 minutes before baking.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can fully assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time if starting cold.
Q: What noodles work best?
A: Egg noodles, penne, or fusilli are great options. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: Try a simple cucumber-tomato salad, grilled veggies, or a lemony arugula salad to keep things fresh and balanced.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use ground turkey or chicken, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Skip the breadcrumb topping or swap with crushed whole grain crackers.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving, ~6 servings – Approximate)
Calories: 490
Protein: 30g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Note: Will vary based on specific cheeses, milk, and pasta used.
Final Conclusion
This Mediterranean French Onion Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole is where classic comfort food meets bold, herb-forward Mediterranean flavor. It’s rich, savory, and satisfying — with caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta bringing everything together. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated for leftovers, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and new. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a freezer-friendly meal prep night.