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Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping Recipe

Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping

A comforting beef stew topped with a cheesy, crunchy baguette.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • large casserole dish

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1 ½ lbs. chuck steak cubed
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup dry Marsala
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 large onions
  • 1 large pinch salt
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste optional
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 2.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 white baguette sliced
  • Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 cups Gruyere cheese coarsely grated
  • 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 0.5 tbsp fresh thyme

Instructions
 

  • Slice the onions by cutting the top end off, keeping the root intact. Peel and halve the onions without slicing all the way through. Thinly slice using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  • Season the cubed beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish and sear the beef in batches until browned. Set aside.
  • Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup (60ml) of Marsala, scraping off the browned bits. Simmer until the Marsala reduces.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for 15 minutes until golden.
  • Caramelize the onions by cooking them with butter, salt, and sugar until browned. Add garlic, thyme, and the rest of the Marsala. Cook until caramelized.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 320°F (160°C). Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, tomato paste, flour, and beef broth. Simmer, then add the beef and bay leaves. Cover and cook in the oven for 90 minutes.
  • Adjust seasoning of the stew and discard bay leaves.
  • Spread Dijon mustard on the toasted bread, top with Gruyere and Parmesan. Divide the stew into ovenproof bowls, cover with bread slices.
  • Add extra cheese on top and broil for a few minutes until melted and browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Garnish with thyme and reserved caramelized onions before serving.

Notes

For a quicker version, you can use store-bought French onion soup instead of caramelizing the onions from scratch.
Keyword Beef Stew with Cheesy Bread Topping Recipe