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French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping: A Cozy Gourmet Delight

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Indulge in the warmth of French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping, a comforting dish that brings gourmet flair to your dinner table. This hearty beef stew combines tender chunks of beef with sweet caramelized onions, simmered in a rich broth infused with thyme and garlic. Topped with gooey melted cheese on crispy toasted bread, it’s the ultimate cozy meal perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, this stew is sure to impress your guests while delivering satisfying flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 23 tbsp olive oil, as needed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste, optional
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth or stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 white baguette, sliced
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tbsp fresh thyme, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper and sear until browned on all sides. Set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter and add sliced onions and brown sugar; cook until golden brown (about 15 minutes). Add garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onions; stir for one minute before adding mustard and beef broth while scraping up bits from the bottom of the pot. Return beef and bay leaves; bring to a simmer.
  4. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 1½ hours until beef is tender.
  5. While cooking, preheat another oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast until golden brown (about 15 minutes).
  6. Assemble by spreading Dijon mustard on toasted bread, topping with cheese. Ladle stew into bowls and place cheesy bread on top; broil until cheese is melted (2–3 minutes).
  7. Serve garnished with fresh thyme.

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