French Onion Braised Beef combines two beloved dishes: braised beef and French onion soup. The result is a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish with deeply caramelized onions, tender beef, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for colder months, this dish is enhanced by a cheesy crostini topping that takes it to the next level.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Braised Beef:

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup dry vermouth

• 6 cups beef stock

• 2 fresh bay leaves

• 8 sprigs thyme

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Baguette Topping:

• 1 demi baguette, sliced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Set the beef aside.

3. Caramelize the Onions: In the same Dutch oven, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cover for 5 minutes, then uncover, add garlic, and continue to cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized.

4. Build the Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Add vermouth and simmer for 5 minutes. Then, stir in beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and braise in the oven for 3 hours or until tender and easily shredded.

5. Toast the Baguette: While the beef rests, slice the baguette, drizzle with olive oil, and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Set the broiler on high.

6. Finish the Dish: Discard the bay leaves and thyme. Lay the toasted baguette slices over the braised beef, top with Gruyère cheese, and broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly.

7. Serve: Serve the French onion braised beef immediately, topped with thyme leaves.

Nutrients

• Calories: 680 kcal per serving

• Protein: 50g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Fat: 44g

• Saturated Fat: 16g

• Cholesterol: 172mg

• Sodium: 800mg

• Potassium: 1370mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

The Beef: Tender and Flavorful

The star of this dish is the beef chuck roast, which is cut into 2-inch cubes for easy braising. Chuck roast is an ideal cut for braising because of its marbling, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender, juicy meat that easily shreds. The beef is first seasoned with salt and pepper, then seared in batches to develop a rich, brown crust on all sides. Searing the beef adds depth of flavor to the dish, as the browned bits that stick to the Dutch oven will later infuse the broth with even more savory goodness.

Once seared, the beef is set aside while the onions are caramelized, allowing the flavors of the beef to develop further in the next steps of the recipe.

Caramelized Onions: Sweet and Savory

The caramelized onions are what give this dish its signature French onion soup flavor. Thinly sliced yellow onions are sautéed in butter, covered briefly to soften, and then left to cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, allowing them to slowly caramelize. This slow cooking process brings out the natural sugars in the onions, transforming them from sharp and pungent to sweet, deeply flavorful golden strands.

The garlic is added near the end of the caramelization process, infusing the onions with an additional layer of aromatic sweetness. These caramelized onions form the base of the broth, infusing the entire dish with their rich, sweet flavor.

Building the Sauce: Flavorful and Rich

To take the flavors up a notch, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and flour are added to the caramelized onions. The mustard and Worcestershire sauce bring tangy, umami flavors that perfectly complement the sweetness of the onions. The flour is used to thicken the broth and create a rich, silky consistency.

Next, dry vermouth is added to deglaze the pot. This step helps lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the Dutch oven, incorporating them into the sauce and adding even more depth to the flavor profile. After simmering the vermouth for 5 minutes, beef stock, bay leaves, and fresh thyme are stirred in, completing the sauce and forming a flavorful broth that will tenderize the beef during the braising process.

The beef is then returned to the pot and covered. It’s braised in the oven for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to become incredibly tender. After braising, the beef should be easily shredded, making it perfect for mixing into the rich, flavorful broth.

The Baguette Topping: Crispy and Cheesy

The cheesy baguette topping is what truly transforms this dish into a hearty, comforting meal. A demi baguette is sliced and brushed with olive oil before being toasted in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. The toasted baguette slices act as the base for the cheesy crostini topping, which is layered over the braised beef just before serving.

The crostini is topped with freshly grated Gruyère cheese, a perfect melty cheese that adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. The cheese is broiled for 3-4 minutes until bubbly and golden brown, creating a crispy, cheesy topping that perfectly contrasts with the tender beef and soft onions below.

Finishing Touches: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and browned, the final step is to discard the bay leaves and thyme stems, then garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and an extra layer of fragrance.

This dish is best served immediately while it’s still hot, allowing the creamy cheese to meld with the braised beef and onions. Ladle the beef and broth into bowls, top with the cheesy crostini, and enjoy.

Nutritional Breakdown

At approximately 680 calories per serving, French Onion Braised Beef is a rich and satisfying dish that provides a hearty meal. Each serving contains about 50g of protein, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. The fat content (about 44g) comes from the beef, butter, and cheese, contributing to the rich, comforting texture of the dish.

With 16g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber, the dish is relatively low in carbs, making it a good option for those following lower-carb diets. The soup’s 5g of sugar comes primarily from the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions, adding a delicate sweetness that balances the savory flavors.

This dish also provides valuable nutrients such as potassium (1370mg) and calcium (138mg), thanks to the beef stock, cheese, and herbs. Additionally, the vitamin A (287 IU) and iron content (3mg) support immune health and overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions

French Onion Braised Beef is a filling and satisfying dish on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a more complete meal. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. You could also serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed greens for added fiber and nutrients.

For a more indulgent experience, serve with a side of crispy French fries or garlic bread to complement the hearty flavors of the braised beef.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Dish

French Onion Braised Beef combines the best of both worlds: the savory depth of braised beef and the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. The addition of a cheesy crostini topping takes this dish over the top, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on a cold day or want to impress your guests with something hearty and flavorful, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With its rich broth, tender beef, and indulgent cheesy topping, French Onion Braised Beef is the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied after every bite.