French Onion Beef Stew

Instructions

Step 1 Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Step 2 Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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Step 3 In the same pot, add butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly over medium heat, stirring often, until deeply caramelized (about 20–25 minutes).
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Step 4 Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Step 5 Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to combine.
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Step 6 Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Step 7 Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
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Step 8 Return the beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours until the beef is tender.
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Step 9 Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Step 10 Serve hot with toasted crusty bread and optional melted Gruyère cheese on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.