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French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping
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French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping is a comforting, slow-cooked stew featuring tender beef chuck, deeply caramelized onions, and a rich, savory broth. Topped with a bubbling, golden layer of Gruyere cheese on toasted crusty bread, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings and makes for a hearty, soul-satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 4 cups beef broth, good quality
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or sherry
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheesy Bread Topping

  • 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions and slowly caramelize them in butter and olive oil over low heat. Cook gently until they turn deep golden brown and sweet, drawing out their natural sugars.
  2. Brown the beef: While the onions cook, cut the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces and sear them in batches in a hot pan until browned evenly on all sides, creating a flavorful crust.
  3. Deglaze and simmer: Once onions and beef are ready, add minced garlic and thyme to the pan. Deglaze with dry white wine or sherry, letting the alcohol cook off slightly. Add beef broth, return beef and onions to the pot, and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is tender and stew thickens.
  4. Prepare the cheesy bread topping: Slice the baguette or crusty bread and lightly toast the slices. Generously layer shredded Gruyere cheese on each slice and broil until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
  5. Assemble and serve: Ladle the stew into oven-safe bowls or a casserole dish, top with the cheesy bread slices, and broil briefly if a melty cheese topping is desired right before serving. Serve hot for the ultimate comforting experience.

Notes

  • Low and slow caramelizing of onions enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Browning the beef is essential for developing rich, complex flavors through the Maillard reaction.
  • Using good-quality beef broth significantly improves the stew’s taste.
  • Lightly toast bread slices before adding cheese to prevent sogginess under the stew.
  • Let the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Beef Stew, Cheesy Bread Topping, Comfort Food, Slow Cooked Beef, Caramelized Onions, Gruyere Cheese

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