- Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced beef in batches, cooking until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the onions.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and dry red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Beef and Onions:
- Return the browned beef to the skillet with the onion mixture. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Cook 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.
- Combine and Serve:
- Serve the French onion beef over cooked egg noodles.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Variations: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of brandy or cognac to the sauce before simmering.
- Cheese Topping: If you like a cheesy topping, sprinkle grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the dish before serving and broil briefly until melted and bubbly.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. The flavors often develop even more after resting.
This French onion beef and noodles dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, offering a blend of savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and tender egg noodles. Enjoy the comforting flavors!