Bread Topping
This French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping is the definition of comfort food rich, flavorful, and irresistibly cozy. Combining the deep caramelized sweetness of French onions with tender, slow-cooked beef and a bubbling layer of melted Gruyère cheese, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.
Perfect for cold nights or weekend gatherings, this gourmet beef stew recipe is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with French-inspired charm.
Ingredients:
For the French Onion Beef Stew
1 ½ lbs (680 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
2 tsp coarse sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
2–3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
5 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups (620 ml) beef broth or stock
2 bay leaves
For the Cheesy Bread Topping
1 white baguette, sliced
Olive oil (for brushing)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded Gruyère cheese
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
½ tbsp fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until golden and soft. Add garlic and thyme; cook 5 minutes more for that classic French onion flavor.
Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the pot and sear the beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.
Stir flour into the onions and cook for 1 minute. Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Gradually pour in beef broth while scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return beef to the pot, add bay leaves, and bring to a simmer. Cover and transfer to a 320°F (160°C) oven. Cook for about 1½ hours, until beef is tender and the stew is thick and rich.
Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Spread Dijon mustard on each slice, top with Gruyère and Parmesan, and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted and golden.
Ladle the French Onion Beef Stew into ovenproof bowls. Place the cheesy bread topping over each bowl, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and serve hot.
Health & Nutritional Benefits:
Protein-rich beef helps build and repair muscle tissue.
Onions and garlic support heart health and immunity.
Thyme and olive oil add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Gruyère cheese provides calcium and rich flavor, making this a balanced indulgence.
Chef’s Tips:
Reheat with a splash of beef broth to revive flavor.
Air fry the bread slices at 350°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes for extra crispiness.
Store leftover stew (without bread) in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
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