If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors, then my beef with French onion soup recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort meal.
This hearty, flavorful dish combines tender beef with the deep, umami-packed taste of French onion soup, creating a satisfying blend that will warm you from the inside out.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together—succulent beef and the beloved classic French onion soup.
Get ready to dive into layers of flavor with every spoonful! Let me walk you through how to make this irresistible dish from scratch.
How To Make Beef With French Onion Soup Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Time: Approximately 2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- French baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
1. Sear The Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Caramelize The Onions
In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, approximately 25-30 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Deglaze The Pot
Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients
Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Prepare The Toppings
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle each slice with grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a cheesy baguette slice. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Nutrition Facts Of Beef With French Onion Soup Recipe
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips And Variations Of Beef With French Onion Soup Recipe
Meat Options: For a leaner option, use beef sirloin or substitute with chicken thighs.
Alcohol-Free: If you prefer to omit the wine, replace it with additional beef broth and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyère or Swiss cheese isn’t available, provolone or mozzarella can be used.
Slow Cooker Method: After searing the beef and caramelizing the onions, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
Health Benefits Of Beef With French Onion Soup Recipe
This dish provides a good source of protein from the beef, essential for muscle repair and growth. Onions offer antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, due to its higher sodium and fat content, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Note
The key to this recipe is patience while caramelizing the onions. Taking the time to achieve a deep golden color develops the sweet and savory base that defines French onion soup.
Conclusion
This beef with French onion soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings a touch of French-inspired elegance to your table. The tender beef, rich caramelized onions, and savory broth create a combination that’s truly irresistible.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to pair it with a crusty baguette or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of that delectable sauce. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—bon appétit!
Beef With French Onion Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine optional
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- French baguette sliced and toasted
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
InstructionsÂ
Sear The Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
Caramelize The Onions
- In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, approximately 25-30 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Deglaze The Pot
- Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
- Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare The Toppings
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle each slice with grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a cheesy baguette slice. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.