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Cozy French Onion–Style Beef Stew Topped with Cheesy Bread

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A deeply comforting French onion–inspired beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with richly caramelized onions in a savory broth. Each bowl is topped with toasted baguette and melted cheese for a cozy, bubbly finish.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until deeply caramelized.
  4. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Return beef to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, beef broth, water, and bay leaf.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1½ to 2 hours until beef is tender.
  7. Toast baguette slices in the oven until crisp.
  8. Ladle stew into oven-safe bowls, top each with toasted baguette and shredded cheese.
  9. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly for the best flavor depth.
  • Add sliced mushrooms for extra richness.
  • Replace 1 cup of broth with dry white wine for enhanced flavor.
  • Simmer uncovered at the end for a thicker stew.
  • Store stew without bread topping in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze stew (without bread and cheese) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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