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Delicious French Onion Beef Stew topped with melted cheese and toasted bread.

French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

A rich, savory stew combining caramelized onions, tender beef, and a crispy cheese topping, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 pounds Beef cubes (chuck or stewing beef) For good flavor and tenderness.
  • 3 large Yellow onions For long, slow caramelizing.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Mince and add in the last minutes of cooking.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan.
  • 1 cup Red wine Use a dry red wine to lift flavor.
  • 4 cups Beef broth Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh thyme Adds aroma and depth.
  • 2 leaves Bay leaves Add to enhance flavor.
For the Topping
  • 4 slices Crusty bread Thick slices.
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese For melting.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese For melting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown beef in batches, then set aside.
  3. Add sliced onions to the same pot and cook over medium heat until deep golden, about 20–25 minutes, adding garlic in the last five minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly, then pour in red wine and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for a few minutes.
  5. Return beef to the pot and add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat. Cook until beef is tender, about 1.5–2 hours.
Assembly
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice crusty bread thickly and set on a baking sheet.
  2. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning, then ladle stew into oven-safe bowls.
  3. Top with bread slices, adding Gruyère and mozzarella, and bake until cheese bubbles and browns.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge in covered containers for up to four days.