Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil, as needed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp plant-based Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp tomato paste, optional
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups beef broth or stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 white baguette, sliced
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tbsp fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) for slow cooking.
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pot and add sliced onions, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes until golden and soft. Add garlic and thyme; cook another 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over onions; stir for 1 minute. Add tomato paste (if using), mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to scrape up bits from the bottom of the pot. Return browned beef to pot with bay leaves; bring to a simmer.
- Cover pot; transfer to preheated oven. Cook for about 1½ hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens beautifully. Discard bay leaves; taste for seasoning.
- While stew cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette; brush each slice with olive oil. Arrange on a baking tray; toast for 15 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown.
- Spread each toast with Dijon mustard. Top with shredded Gruyère and Parmesan mix. Ladle hot beef stew into ovenproof bowls; arrange cheesy toasts on top to cover. Place under broiler for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme and reserved caramelized onions before serving. Enjoy every spoonful—tender beef, sweet onions, and that gooey, cheesy crunch!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 110mg