Hearty French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Toasts

This hearty stew combines the deep flavors of French onion soup with a satisfying beef stew. Caramelized onions, tender braising beef, potatoes and carrots simmer in a savory broth enriched with Worcestershire sauce and thyme. The result is a stick-to-your-ribs meal that warms you from the inside out.

Serve it family-style or in individual bowls, topped with crispy baguette slices melted with Swiss cheese. Each spoonful is pure comfort, making it an ideal dinner for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

12 ounce PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Dried ThymeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

16 ounce Beef for BraisingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Beef Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Worcestershire SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

9 ounce CarrotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 slice Swiss CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Demi-BaguetteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry produce. Halve, peel and thinly slice onions. Dice potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Trim, peel and cut carrots on a diagonal into 1-inch-thick pieces.
2. Open package of beef and drain off any excess liquid. In a medium bowl, combine beef, flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add coated beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 4-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a clean bowl.
3. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add onions and 1/4 cup water; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 8-10 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Add garlic powder, thyme, 2 teaspoons sugar and a splash of water; cook until caramelized, 2-3 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add beef, potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce, beef stock concentrates and 5 cups water. Stir to combine.
5. Bring stew to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook until beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender, stirring halfway, 40-45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. While stew cooks, adjust oven rack to top position and heat broiler to high. Cut each baguette crosswise into 8 rounds (16 total). Cut Swiss cheese slices into 4 squares each (16 total). Place baguette slices on a baking sheet; top each with a cheese square. Broil until cheese is melted and lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serve stew family-style or divide among bowls. Top with cheesy toasts or serve on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, any beef suitable for braising, such as chuck or round, works well. Cut into bite-sized pieces and cook until tender.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. After browning the beef and caramelizing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

Gruyère, provolone or mozzarella are good alternatives. Choose a cheese that melts well.