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French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping


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  • Author: mealstomake
  • Total Time: 110 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A warm, comforting beef stew with caramelized onions and a crispy, cheesy bread topping, perfect for cold days.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 23 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
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions while keeping the root ends intact.
  2. Brown the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in olive oil in a Dutch oven.
  3. Cook the Onions: Lower heat and add butter to the pot, then add the onions and brown sugar. Cook until golden brown.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add garlic and thyme. Stir in flour, then add tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Add Broth and Beef: Stir in beef broth and return browned beef to the pot with bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Bake the Stew: Cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) for 1½ hours until beef is tender.
  7. Prep the Cheesy Bread Topping: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), brush baguette slices with olive oil, and toast until golden.
  8. Assemble the Stew: Spread Dijon mustard on toasted baguette slices, top with cheese, and ladle hot stew into bowls.
  9. Broil for Perfection: Broil bowls for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and is golden brown.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh thyme and serve hot.

Notes

Consider adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrients. Adjust the seasoning for personal taste.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg