Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of a classic French dish with our Slow Cooker French Onion Beef Stew! Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of tender beef, caramelized onions, and a savory broth that warms your soul. This recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport you to a cozy bistro in the heart of France. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 8 hours of slow cooking, you can effortlessly create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Ready to discover the secret to this mouthwatering stew? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes, ensuring that the pieces are uniform for even cooking. Thinly slice the 4 large onions and mince the 4 cloves of garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Once the onions are caramelized, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the seared beef cubes on top of the onions.
- Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of red wine into the slow cooker. Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender.
- After 8 hours, check the stew for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker French Onion Beef Stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal!
Tips
- Sear the Beef: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the beef cubes in a skillet enhances the flavor and adds depth to your stew. Make sure to do it in batches to achieve that perfect caramelization.
- Caramelize the Onions: Take your time with the onions. Slow-cooking them until they're golden brown brings out their natural sweetness, which is essential for a delicious stew.
- Choose Quality Wine: The red wine you use can significantly impact the flavor of your stew. Opt for a good quality wine that you would enjoy drinking, as it will enhance the overall taste.
- Season Gradually: Start with the recommended salt and pepper, but taste the stew before serving. You may want to add a little more seasoning to make those flavors pop!
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary during the last hour of cooking. This will elevate the aroma and taste of your stew.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your stew with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious broth. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 305kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
