French Onion Beef Stew combines the heartiness of rich beef stew with the delicious caramelized onions and crusty cheesy bread topping of French onion soup. This unique dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, showcasing a delightful blend of flavors that will impress your guests. The savory depth of this stew, combined with the satisfying cheese crust, makes it an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions and tender beef creates a deep, savory flavor that warms the soul.
• Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew offers the comfort of home-cooked meals that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Meal: Great for families or gatherings, this hearty stew can be served as a main course or paired with a light salad.
• Easy Preparation: While it may seem complex, this recipe is straightforward and manageable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Impressive Presentation: The cheesy bread topping not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful finish to your dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking, it retains heat well and allows for even cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without damaging your cookware while caramelizing onions and mixing ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for vegetables and meat, making preparation quicker and safer.

this recipe

Ingredients

French Onion Beef Stew combines the heartiness of rich beef stew with the delicious caramelized onions and crusty cheesy bread topping of French onion soup. This insanely delicious culinary mash-up is well worth the effort – it may well be the tastiest stew you will ever make!

For the Stew

• 1 ½ lbs (1.4 kg) chuck steak, cubed
• 2 tsp coarse sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil, or as needed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 large onions
• Large pinch salt
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp tomato paste, optional
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2½ cups (620ml) beef broth, or stock
• 2 bay leaves

For the Bread Topping

• 1 white baguette, sliced
• Olive oil as needed, to brush on the bread
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, or as needed
• 1 ½ cups (150g) Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ½ tbsp fresh thyme, to garnish

How to Make French Onion Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cube the chuck steak into bite-sized pieces and slice your onions thinly. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

In a Dutch oven, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season cubed beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear until browned on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

In the same pot, add butter. Once melted, add sliced onions along with a large pinch of salt and brown sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and caramelized (about 25-30 minutes).

Step 4: Add Flavor

Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste (if using), and flour. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.

Step 5: Deglaze & Simmer

Pour in beef broth while scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Return seared beef along with bay leaves to pot. Bring to a simmer, cover partially, reduce heat to low, and let cook for about 90 minutes until beef is tender.

Step 6: Prepare Bread Topping

While stew simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice baguette pieces and brush them lightly with olive oil. Spread Dijon mustard on each slice before adding grated Gruyere cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake Bread Topping

Place prepared baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 8: Serve

Once stew is ready, remove bay leaves. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with cheesy baguette slices. Garnish with fresh thyme before enjoying!

How to Serve French Onion Beef Stew

French Onion Beef Stew is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Pairing it with the right sides and garnishes can elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Thyme: Sprinkle some fresh thyme on top just before serving for an aromatic touch.
• Chopped Parsley: Adds a splash of color and freshness to your stew.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: A slice of sourdough complements the rich flavors perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: The garlic infusion enhances the savory notes of the stew.

Serve with a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
• Caesar Salad: Adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the hearty stew.

How to Perfect French Onion Beef Stew

Creating the perfect French Onion Beef Stew requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to season generously; this will bring out all the flavors in your ingredients.
• Caramelize Onions Thoroughly: Take your time when caramelizing onions to develop deep, rich flavors.
• Choose Quality Meat: Use well-marbled chuck steak for tenderness and flavor in your stew.
• Let It Simmer: Allow the stew to cook low and slow for at least 90 minutes to meld all the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Beef Stew

To complement your French Onion Beef Stew, consider these delightful side dishes:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these potatoes soak up the flavorful broth beautifully.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast them for added sweetness and texture.
3. Buttery Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs wonderfully with savory stews, adding a lovely contrast.
4. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad that provides a nutty flavor while being light on the palate.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs enhances every bite of your hearty stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your French Onion Beef Stew, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your dish turns out perfect.

• Bold selection of meat: Choosing the wrong cut of beef can lead to a tough stew. Opt for chuck steak, as it becomes tender during cooking.
• Bold seasoning oversight: Under-seasoning the dish can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs to bring out the stew’s rich taste.
• Bold onion caramelization: Rushing the caramelization process can prevent the onions from developing their sweet flavor. Take your time and cook them slowly over medium heat.
• Bold thickening errors: Not using flour or an appropriate thickening agent can make your stew watery. Ensure you incorporate flour properly to achieve a rich consistency.
• Bold broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall flavor. Choose a good-quality beef broth or homemade stock for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the stew to cool before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing French Onion Beef Stew

• Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the containers with dates for easy reference.

Reheating French Onion Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is French Onion Beef Stew?

French Onion Beef Stew is a hearty dish combining tender beef chunks, caramelized onions, and savory broth, topped with melted cheese on crusty bread.

How do I make my French Onion Beef Stew more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, use high-quality beef broth and don’t rush the caramelization of onions. Adding fresh herbs and spices can also elevate taste.

Can I customize my French Onion Beef Stew?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition or adjust seasonings based on your preferences.

How long does it take to cook French Onion Beef Stew?

The total time required is about 140 minutes: 50 minutes of preparation and approximately 90 minutes of cooking time.

Is it possible to make French Onion Beef Stew in advance?

Yes! This stew tastes even better after sitting overnight, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Beef Stew brings together rich flavors and comforting textures that will delight your family and friends. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices! Try making this deliciously unique stew today!

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French Onion Beef Stew

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of French Onion Beef Stew, a delightful fusion of tender beef, rich caramelized onions, and a savory broth. This unique dish captures the essence of traditional French onion soup while offering the comforting depth of a hearty beef stew. Topped with golden, cheesy baguette slices, each serving brings warmth and satisfaction to chilly evenings or special family gatherings. Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this stew is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs chuck steak, cubed
• 2 tsp coarse sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil, or as needed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 large onions
• Large pinch salt
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp tomato paste, optional
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2½ cups beef broth, or stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 white baguette, sliced
• Olive oil as needed, to brush on the bread
• 1 ½ cups Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ½ tbsp fresh thyme, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Cube the chuck steak and slice the onions thinly.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; sear the seasoned beef until browned on all sides. Set aside.
3. In the same pot, melt butter and add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and brown sugar; cook low and slow until caramelized (about 25-30 minutes).
4. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, Dijon mustard, tomato paste (if using), and flour; cook for another minute.
5. Deglaze with beef broth; return beef and bay leaves to pot. Simmer covered for about 90 minutes until beef is tender.
6. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush baguette slices with olive oil and spread Dijon mustard before topping with Gruyere cheese. Bake until bubbly (10-12 minutes).
7. Serve stew in bowls topped with cheesy bread garnished with fresh thyme.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop and Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like carrots or celery into the stew. Letting the stew sit overnight enhances flavor as it allows ingredients to meld together beautifully.