Name: French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs boneless beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes; 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup dry red wine (optional); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 6 slices crusty bread (baguette or sourdough); 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

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French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping is a warm, hearty twist on two of my favorite comfort foods—classic French onion soup and slow-cooked beef stew. I simmer tender chunks of beef with caramelized onions in a rich broth, then top it with toasty, cheese-covered bread for a dish that’s cozy, indulgent, and packed with deep flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this stew because it feels rustic and elevated at the same time. The caramelized onions bring sweetness and depth, while the beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender after a slow cook. And the best part? That golden, bubbling cheesy bread topping—it soaks up the broth and adds a perfectly crisp finish. It’s a full meal in a bowl and one of my ultimate cold-weather favorites. French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
Butter and olive oil
Flour (for thickening)
Beef broth
Dry red wine (optional but recommended)
Worcestershire sauce
Fresh thyme and bay leaf
Salt and black pepper
Crusty bread slices (like baguette or sourdough)
Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded

Directions

I start by caramelizing the onions: I cook them low and slow in butter and olive oil until golden and soft—about 30 minutes.
I season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot pot until browned on all sides. I set them aside.
I add garlic to the onions and stir in flour to thicken.
I deglaze the pot with wine, scraping up all the brown bits, then add in the beef broth, Worcestershire, herbs, and the browned beef.
I bring it to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2–3 hours on low heat until the beef is tender and the broth is rich.
Just before serving, I toast slices of bread under the broiler until crisp, then top with shredded cheese and broil again until bubbly and golden.
I ladle the hot stew into bowls and place a slice of cheesy toast on top—or serve it on the side to dip.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and takes about 3 hours total—45 minutes of prep and 2–2.5 hours of slow cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms for a little extra earthiness, or swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut version. I’ve also made it with white wine and chicken broth for a lighter twist. If I don’t have Gruyère, mozzarella or provolone work in a pinch.

storage/reheating

I store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—it actually gets better as it sits. I reheat it gently on the stovetop. The cheesy bread is best fresh, but I toast more bread and melt the cheese fresh each time I serve leftovers. French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. After searing the beef and caramelizing the onions, I transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. I make the cheesy bread topping separately just before serving.

What kind of beef is best?

I always go with boneless chuck roast. It has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

Can I freeze this stew?

Absolutely. I freeze it without the bread topping and just thaw and reheat when I’m ready to serve. It keeps well for up to 3 months.

Do I need to use wine?

No, but it really adds depth. If I skip it, I use extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a little tang.

What’s the best bread for the topping?

I like using crusty baguette slices—they hold up well to the broth and get perfectly crisp under the cheese.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping is my idea of a perfect cozy dinner. It’s rich, savory, and full of slow-cooked flavor, with that golden, melty cheese topping bringing everything together. Whether I’m serving it on a chilly night or making it ahead for the weekend, this stew always warms me right up—heart and soul.