Beefedup French Onion Soup a Savoury Twist
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of posh nosh, then? Ever had french onion soup with beef ? Honestly, it's like a cuddle in a bowl! It's savoury, beefy, and has that amazing caramelized onion sweetness.
Brief Overview
French onion soup with beef is a classic given a hearty twist. It's French cuisine, innit. This beef onion soup is a bit more involved than beans on toast, but totally doable! Budget about 3 hours, and you'll get six generous servings.
Main Benefits
This beef chuck french onion soup recipe isn't just tasty. It's packed with flavour and a decent hit of protein.
Perfect for a chilly Sunday lunch or impressing your mates. It's special because of the rich, slow cooked beef and those gooey gruyere cheese french onion soup toppings.
Time to see what we need for our homemade french onion soup with beef . Let’s get started!
Beefed-Up French Onion Soup with Beef : Ingredients & Gear
Right, let's get down to what you'll need to make this French onion soup with beef recipe . Trust me, it's worth it.
I swear my own version of beef onion soup is a proper crowd pleaser at any gathering!
Main Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes. Quality indicator: Look for well marbled beef chuck.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
For the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced. Key is uniform slices for even caramelization.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional). Don't skip this if you have it. It adds a lovely depth of flavour
- 8 cups beef broth. Good quality broth makes all the difference here!
- 2 cups water.
- 1 bay leaf.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
For the Croutons & Cheese:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded. Gruyère melts like a dream and has that nutty flavour.
Seasoning Notes
Alright, let’s talk spice! The essential spice combination here is thyme and rosemary. They give that k_annotated classic French onion soup vibe.
Worcestershire sauce is your flavour enhancer, adding a lovely umami kick. Don't forget the salt and pepper, mind. You can substitute sherry for balsamic vinegar for a different tang.
Equipment Needed
You'll need a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. A baking sheet for the croutons, naturally. k_annotated And oven safe bowls or ramekins are a must for that k_annotated gruyere cheese french onion soup topping! Don't have ramekins? Mugs work in a pinch, honestly.
Just make sure they're oven safe. This easy french onion soup with beef will taste amazing, no matter what you use!
Beefed-Up French Onion Soup: A Savoury Twist on a Classic
Fancy some proper comfort food? This French onion soup with beef recipe is just the ticket! Forget those bland, watery soups.
We're talking about a beef onion soup that's rich, hearty, and utterly satisfying. It's a total hug in a bowl.
This isn't just French onion soup ; it's French onion soup k_annotated taken to a whole new level.
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is vital, darlings! Get everything chopped and measured before you even think about turning on the hob.
Thinly slice those four large yellow onions. Cube 1.5lbs (680g) beef chuck. Mince two cloves of garlic. Shred six ounces of Gruyère.
This saves so much faff later on! For time saving organization tips , prepare your french onion soup croutons in advance by slicing a baguette, toss with 2 tbs olive oil and have ready to bake.
Safety first, remember to use oven gloves.
From Hob to Heaven: The step-by-step
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Season those beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear them in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
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Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in the same pot. Add those sliced onions and cook over medium low heat for about 45- 60 minutes.
You want them deeply caramelized, so be patient! Stir often to avoid burning.
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Stir in those minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup dry sherry, if using. Scrap up those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Add 8 cups beef broth, 2 cups water, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and the seared beef.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 1. 5 hours, or up to 2 hours.
You want that beef to be seriously tender!
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Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Toss those baguette slices with olive oil and bake for 10- 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle it into oven safe bowls. Top with those lovely croutons and a mountain of shredded Gruyère cheese.
Broil until the cheese is bubbly. This normally takes about 2- 3 minutes. Be watchful to prevent burning.
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Cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for a Souperb Soup
Honestly, the key to a good caramelized onion soup with beef k_annotated is patience . Don't rush caramelizing those onions. It's worth the time.
A common mistake is not using enough butter. It is essential, so don't skimp. If you're feeling fancy, you can deglaze with red wine instead of sherry for a deeper flavour.
You can also make the soup base (before adding croutons and cheese) a day ahead. This easy french onion soup with beef just gets better with time! For a perfect beef chuck french onion soup using chuck steak provides the right mix of texture and flavour.
Enjoy your homemade french onion soup with beef . It’s perfect comfort food recipes for those chilly evenings! This winter soup recipes meal is sure to impress! For something extra, try a gruyere cheese french onion soup .
It just elevates the dish. Don't be shy with the cheese, alright? And consider french onion soup wine pairing options a robust red works a treat!
Recipe Notes for the Best French Onion Soup with Beef
Alright, so you're about to tackle this French Onion Soup with Beef recipe ? Ace! Let's talk about a few things that'll make your life easier, and the soup even tastier.
I mean, who doesn't love a bowl of perfectly caramelized onion soup with beef on a cold day? Honestly, this will be the best beef onion soup you've ever made if you just keep these key things in mind.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Soup Game
Presentation is everything, innit? For plating, think rustic chic. Ladle that gorgeous, golden French onion soup with beef into oven safe bowls or ramekins.
Those little touches of course! Get a nice crusty baguette for dipping seriously, don't skip this. It makes all the difference.
As for beverages, a robust red wine is just the ticket. Think Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, something that can stand up to the rich flavours of the soup.
Storage Tips: Keep the Flavour Alive
Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigerate any leftover homemade French onion soup with beef within two hours of cooking. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Just let it cool completely first, then portion it into freezer safe containers.
Remember that the texture of the croutons might change after freezing. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Keep in mind that adding the Gruyère right before serving can help maintain its taste.
Variations: Spice It Up or Go Veggie
Fancy a change? You can make a French onion soup vegetarian by swapping the beef chuck for mushrooms. Honestly, it's a cracking alternative.
Use a vegetable broth, and you're golden! Feeling spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while caramelizing the onions for a subtle kick.
Also, for dietary swaps, you can use gluten-free bread for the croutons. A splash of balsamic vinegar works great too!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's be real, this gruyere cheese french onion soup is a bit of a treat, but it's also packed with goodness.
Each serving rocks around 450-550 calories, plus a solid dose of protein (35-45g), which is nice. You also get some carbs (20-30g) and fat (25-35g).
Also, it's got a good amount of sodium, which is typical for soup, so don't go overboard with the salt! As a comfort food recipes , and a winter soup recipes , it offers both warmth and nutrition!
Don't be intimidated! Making easy French onion soup with beef is easier than you think. Have fun with it, experiment, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on it.
The results are sure to make you smile. So go on, get cooking and enjoy every single slurp!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my onions from burning when caramelizing them for french onion soup with beef?
Caramelizing onions is all about low and slow! Keep the heat at medium low, stir frequently (every 5-10 minutes initially, then more often as they darken), and add a splash of water or broth if they start to stick or burn. Think of it like coaxing flavour, not forcing it, alright?
Can I make french onion soup with beef ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, the flavour often improves after a day or two. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the croutons and cheese. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you're ready to serve, reheat the soup and then proceed with the croutons and cheese topping before broiling.
What's the best type of cheese to use for french onion soup with beef?
Gruyère is the classic choice because of its nutty flavour and excellent melting properties. However, if you're feeling a bit cheeky, you can also use Swiss cheese or Provolone as substitutes, each bringing their own subtle flavour to the party. Just make sure it melts nicely and gets that lovely bubbly top!
I don't have sherry, what can I use instead when making french onion soup with beef?
No sherry? No worries! You can absolutely omit it without ruining the soup, or use a splash of dry white wine or even a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a bit of tang. The sherry adds a subtle sweetness and depth, but the caramelized onions and beef broth are the real stars of the show.
Is there a way to make this french onion soup with beef healthier?
You bet! You could use leaner cuts of beef, reduce the amount of cheese (or use a lower fat variety), and go easy on the croutons. Using homemade beef broth allows you to control the sodium levels, too. It's all about balance, innit?
Can I freeze french onion soup with beef?
Freezing this soup is a great option, just remember to freeze it before you add the croutons and cheese. Once cooled, portion it into freezer safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stovetop.
Add the croutons and cheese just before serving, as usual.
Beefedup French Onion Soup A Savoury Twist

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | N/A |