Go Back
French Onion Soup with Beef

Hearty French Onion Soup with Beef for Cozy Nights

Experience the warmth of homemade French Onion Soup with Beef—a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine French
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • - Large pot
  • Ladle
  • - Broiler

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil Any neutral oil like canola works great for browning the beef.
  • 1.5 pounds Beef Stew Meat Chuck or round cuts are ideal.
  • 3 medium Yellow Onions Sliced into 1/4-inch thick half-moons.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Aids in caramelizing onions.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Thickens the soup.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf

For the Liquid Ingredients

  • 6 cups Beef Stock Homemade or low-sodium options enhance flavor.
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine Adds depth to flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Infuses umami.

For Serving

  • 8 ounces Gruyere Cheese Shredded.

Instructions
 

How to Make French Onion Soup with Beef

  • Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully browned; season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
  • Deglaze the Pot: Slowly pour in the beef stock, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the pot's bottom. Set this liquid aside for later.
  • Cook Onions: In the same pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, cooking for 30-40 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  • Add Garlic & Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then sprinkle in flour, stirring for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  • Combine Ingredients: Return the reserved beef and deglazing liquid to the pot. Add the remaining beef stock, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and black pepper; stir to combine.
  • Simmer: Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 2 hours until the beef is incredibly tender.
  • Prepare for Serving: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, topping each with a crispy baguette slice and a generous handful of shredded Gruyere. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Notes

This soup can be customized with different cheeses or short ribs for enhanced flavor.
Keyword Beef, Comfort Food, cozy nights, French Onion Soup, Hearty Soup, Homemade Soup