French Onion Beef Stew 🥣✨
Cozy up with this heartwarming stew — tender beef simmered with caramelized onions in a rich, savory broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. 😋
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, or use extra broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Slices of baguette and shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. - Caramelize the Onions:
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until golden and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for another minute. - Build the Base:
Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring for 1 minute to coat. Gradually add the wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - Simmer:
Add the beef back in, then pour in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer covered for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. - Finish and Serve:
Toast baguette slices, top with Gruyère, and broil until melted. Serve stew hot in bowls with the cheesy toast on top or on the side.
Tips:
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar near the end of cooking.
- You can also cook this in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for extra comfort.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving