French Onion Beef Stew is the perfect blend of savory, hearty flavors that makes for a comforting meal without breaking the bank. This dish combines the rich, caramelized onion flavor of classic French onion soup with tender, juicy beef, all in a single pot. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner for fall and winter, and the best part? It’s budget-friendly, making it a go-to recipe for families looking to save while still enjoying a home-cooked meal.
Why This Recipe is Budget-Friendly
- Affordable Cuts of Meat: This recipe uses stew meat, which is often a cheaper cut compared to steaks or roasts. Stew meat becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious meals.
- Staple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples—flour, onions, carrots, potatoes, and seasonings—that you likely already have on hand. These basic items are low-cost and versatile, making this dish both economical and convenient.
- Large Portions: With 4 pounds of stew meat and hearty vegetables, this recipe makes a large batch that can easily feed a crowd or provide several meals throughout the week. Leftovers are perfect for reheating, which helps stretch your grocery dollars even further.
- One-Pot Meal: Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes and less cleanup, saving you time and energy in the kitchen. The convenience of a one-pot meal also means you’re using less gas or electricity, adding to the overall cost savings.
Ingredients
- 4 lb stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups baby carrots, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces if large
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup russet potato, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1 quart of stock (beef or chicken)
- ½ tsp freshly chopped rosemary leaves (about 1 sprig)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Pat dry the cubed stew meat with paper towels and place it in a large bowl. Season with salt, paprika, thyme, and toss with flour to coat.
- Sear the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the meat until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set the browned meat aside and continue until all the meat is cooked.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. This step is crucial as it builds the rich, deep flavor that mimics classic French onion soup. Cook until the onions are soft and almost caramelized.
- Build the Stew: Return the beef to the Dutch oven along with any juices. Add the stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprig of rosemary. Stir to combine, cover, and let simmer on low heat for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add Vegetables: After 4 hours, add the carrots and let them simmer for 10 minutes. Next, add the chopped potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the sprig of rosemary before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling, comforting meal.
Tips for Making the Most of This Recipe
- Use What You Have: Don’t have russet potatoes? Swap them out for whatever variety you have on hand. No baby carrots? Regular carrots work just as well when chopped into smaller pieces.
- Freezer-Friendly: This stew freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Simply portion it into airtight containers, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready for busy weeknights.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your family’s taste. A dash of garlic powder, a bay leaf, or even a splash of red wine can add new dimensions to the flavor.
- Stretch the Stew Further: Add more vegetables, like mushrooms, celery, or parsnips, to bulk up the stew without adding extra meat, keeping it budget-friendly and nutritious.
This French Onion Beef Stew is not just about saving money—it’s about enjoying a hearty, homemade meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a great dish for gatherings or simply a comforting dinner for your family. Give this budget-friendly recipe a try, and you’ll have a new go-to favorite in your meal rotation!
