Description
This French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of a classic French onion soup with the satisfying heartiness of a beef stew. Tender beef cubes simmered in a savory broth with deeply caramelized onions are topped with crusty bread slices, slathered in Dijon mustard, and generously covered with melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil (as needed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups (620 ml) beef broth or stock
- 2 bay leaves
For the Cheesy Bread Topping:
- 1 white baguette, sliced
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded Gruyère cheese
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tbsp fresh thyme, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Peel the onions and cut off the tops, leaving the root ends intact to help hold them together. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same pot and add the sliced onions, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden and soft. Add garlic and thyme, then cook another 5 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Stew
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste (if using), mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the browned beef to the pot, add bay leaves, and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the pot and transfer to a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C). Cook for about 1½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully. Discard the bay leaves and taste for seasoning.
Step 6: Prepare the Bread
While the stew cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette and brush each slice with olive oil. Arrange on a baking tray and toast for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble and Broil
Spread each toast with a thin layer of Dijon mustard. Top with a mix of shredded Gruyère and Parmesan. Ladle the hot beef stew into ovenproof bowls, then arrange the cheesy toasts on top to cover. Place under the broiler (or grill) for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and a few reserved caramelized onions before serving.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of savory beef stew and cheesy bread topping makes it a satisfying and flavorful meal. The slow cooking process ensures the beef is tender and the onions are deeply caramelized, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, directly from the broiler.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- A glass of red wine complements the richness of the stew perfectly.
Tips
- For extra richness, add a splash of beef stock while reheating leftovers.
- You can air fry the bread slices at 350°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes instead of oven-toasting.
- If you prefer, serve the cheesy bread slices on the side instead of on top.
- To intensify the onion flavor, caramelize them for a longer period.
- Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
Preparation Time:
- 30 minutes
Cook Time:
- 2 hours
Total Time:
- 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 40-50g per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion
This French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping is a delightful and comforting recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey, cheesy bread is simply irresistible. Try it out and impress your family and friends with this elevated version of a classic stew!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! After completing steps 1-4, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
A: Absolutely! Gruyère is traditionally used for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, but you can substitute it with other cheeses like Emmental, Fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can adapt it! Substitute the beef chuck with hearty mushrooms, lentils, or a combination of both. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q4: How can I make the stew thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q5: Can I freeze this stew?
A: Yes, you can freeze the stew (without the bread topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add the cheesy bread topping just before serving.
