french onion beef and noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Onions

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the onions: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Add the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Thicken with flour: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Add the liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and the browned beef. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the noodles: While the beef and onions are simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Butter the noodles: Toss the cooked noodles with 2 tablespoons of butter and season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine beef and noodles: Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Add the buttered noodles to the pot and stir to combine everything.
2. Optional cheese topping: If using, sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese over the top of the dish. Place the pot under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
2. Serve: Spoon the French Onion Beef and Noodles into bowls and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Beef and Noodles

1. Caramelize the onions: Take your time to caramelize the onions properly, as this adds depth of flavor to the dish.
2. Brown the beef: Browning the beef before simmering helps to lock in flavor and adds a nice texture to the meat.
3. Cheese topping: For a more authentic French onion soup experience, don’t skip the cheese topping. Gruyere or Swiss cheese works best for that classic flavor.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef and Noodles is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the best elements of French onion soup with tender beef and comforting noodles. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious and comforting meal!