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French Onion Beef Stew

Comforting French Onion Beef Stew for Cozy Nights

This French Onion Beef Stew combines tender beef with sweet caramelized onions, creating a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly nights.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 pounds chuck steak or brisket
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup dry Marsala wine or dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or more olive oil
  • 4 medium onions yellow or Vidalia
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or dried thyme
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for gluten-free option
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional
  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian version
  • 2 leaves bay leaves remove before serving
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1 loaf baguette or any crusty bread
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese or mozzarella or Swiss cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Thinly slice the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, cooking for 20-25 minutes until caramelized.
  2. Pat the chuck steak dry, season with salt and pepper. In medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  3. Reduce heat back to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter to remaining fat in the pot. Stir in caramelized onions with brown sugar and salt; cook for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and thyme to the onions; cook for 2 minutes. Pour in Marsala wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and tomato paste. Add seared beef and 4 cups beef broth. Toss in bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Cover pot and transfer to oven; cook for 90 minutes or until beef is tender.
  7. Slice the baguette, spread Dijon mustard on top of each slice, and stack on a baking tray. Sprinkle with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake cheesy bread in the oven for the last 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove stew from the oven, discard bay leaves. Serve stew in bowls, top with cheesy bread, and broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This dish offers comforting flavors and is ideal for meal prep or gatherings. Adjust the cheese types for a unique topping experience.

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