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Delicious French Onion Beef Stew with a cheesy bread topping served in a bowl.

French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

A comforting and hearty stew featuring rich beef and caramelized onions, topped with a crispy, cheesy bread.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine Sip the rest while cooking!
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
For the Cheesy Bread Topping
  • 1 French baguette sliced
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese or any cheese that makes you weak in the knees
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  4. In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
  5. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
  6. Add the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
  7. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the tasty bits.
  8. Add the beef back to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  9. While the stew simmers, prepare your cheesy topping. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Top with Gruyère cheese.
  11. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  12. Remove the bay leaf from the stew and ladle it into bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of cheesy bread.

Notes

Don’t skip the caramelization of the onions; it’s crucial for depth of flavor. You can modify the recipe by adding root vegetables like carrots or potatoes.