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Slow-Cooked French Onion Beef Stew

A comforting fusion of rich French onion soup and hearty beef stew—tender beef chunks simmered slowly with caramelized onions in a savory broth, topped with melty cheese and served with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 6 slices of French bread or baguette

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef chunks, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add sliced onions. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
  3. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 2–3 minutes more.
  4. Return the beef to the pot. Add broth, wine (if using), thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until beef is tender and stew is rich and thick.
  6. Toast the French bread slices until golden.
  7. Ladle the stew into bowls, sprinkle cheese on top, and place toasted bread on the side or partially dipped in.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, prepare a day ahead and let sit overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Use a slow cooker for added convenience—cook on low for 7–8 hours.
  • For a gluten-free version, skip the bread or use gluten-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: french onion beef stew, slow cooked beef, caramelized onion stew, comfort food, hearty stew, gruyere stew