A comforting and hearty French Onion Beef Stew, perfect for chilly days.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 50 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:French
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
2 cups carrots, sliced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar to the onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
After the beef has cooked, add the halved baby potatoes, sliced carrots, and mushrooms to the pot. Cover and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, use beef broth made from scratch or a high-quality store-bought option.
Add a splash of sherry or brandy for an extra depth of flavor.
You can also substitute the red wine with a non-alcoholic red wine alternative if preferred.