Description
- Learn how to make a hearty beef stew with cheesy bread topping, the ultimate comfort food for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Beef Stew:
- 1 ½ lbs chuck steak, cubed
- 2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 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 beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- For the Cheesy Bread Topping:
- 1 white baguette, sliced
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ cups Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ tbsp fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Cut off the top end of the onions but keep the root intact. Peel off the skin and cut the onions in half, ensuring the root holds them together. Thinly slice the onions using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Sear the Beef: Cut the beef into cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Set the beef aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ¼ cup of broth (or a small amount of liquid) and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to cook down.
- Toast the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the baguette and discard the ends. Brush the slices with olive oil, place them on a baking tray, and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add butter to the pan with the remaining beef juices. Once melted, add the sliced onions, salt, and brown sugar. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply browned, about 15 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Pour in the remaining broth and reduce the heat. Let the mixture cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. Set aside some onions for garnish.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Reduce the oven temperature to 320°F. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste (optional), and flour. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Return the beef and any juices to the pot, along with bay leaves. Cover and bake for 90 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Discard the bay leaves. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning as needed. Spread Dijon mustard on each toasted bread slice. Top with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. Spoon the beef stew into ovenproof bowls and place the bread slices on top. Add extra cheese if desired and place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and the reserved caramelized onions. Enjoy!
- Details: A comforting, flavorful beef stew topped with rich, melted cheese and crispy bread. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 600 kcal per serving
Keywords: #BeefStew #ComfortFood #CheesyBread #DinnerIdeas #Foodie #CozyMeals #HomeCooking #EasyRecipes