French Onion Beef Stew

🥩🧅 French Onion Beef Stew (Mediterranean-Style)

Rich, slow-simmered comfort with olive oil, herbs & deep caramelized onions

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⏱ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 2–2½ hours (or slow cooker option below)

• Serves: 4–6

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🧾 Ingredients

• 1 kg (2 lb) beef chuck, cut into large cubes

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

• 1 cup dry red wine (optional; substitute extra broth)

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• ½ tsp dried rosemary

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings (Mediterranean Twist)

• Gruyère or mozzarella, grated

• Toasted whole-grain bread cubes

• Fresh parsley or thyme

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

   • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.

   • Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and caramelized.

   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove onions and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

   • Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining olive oil.

   • Season beef with salt and pepper and brown in batches until well-seared. Remove excess fat if needed.

3. Build the Stew Base

   • Stir in tomato paste and flour (if using); cook 1 minute.

   • Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.

4. Simmer

   • Return caramelized onions to the pot.

   • Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.

   • Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low 2–2½ hours, until beef is fork-tender.

5. Finish & Serve

   • Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning.

   • Optional: Top bowls with cheese and broil briefly until melted.

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🐌 Slow Cooker Option

• After browning beef and onions, transfer all ingredients to slow cooker.

• Cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours.

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🌟 Serving Ideas

• Serve with whole-grain bread, mashed potatoes, or polenta

• Pair with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil & lemon

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🥗 Mediterranean Notes

• Olive oil replaces butter

• Herbs enhance depth without heaviness

• Balanced, hearty, and nutrient-dense