Why You’ll Love This Beef Onion Soup
This soup checks every box:
- Deep savory flavor
- Tender slow-cooked beef
- Sweet caramelized onions
- Thick, rich broth
- Simple ingredients
- One-pot meal
- Perfect for cold days
- Great leftovers
It tastes like it simmered all day in a farmhouse kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cubed
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water or stock
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For serving
- Toasted baguette slices
- Fresh parsley
- Optional shredded cheese
Simple pantry staples create incredible depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add beef cubes in batches.
Brown all sides.
Do not overcrowd.
This step builds flavor.
Golden crust equals rich taste.
Remove beef and set aside.
Step 2 – Caramelize the Onions
Add sliced onions to the same pot.
Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes.
Stir often.
They should turn soft, golden, and sweet.
This is the heart of the soup.
Take your time here.
Good onions make great soup.
Step 3 – Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in garlic.
Cook 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over onions.
Mix well.
This thickens the broth naturally.
Step 4 – Build the Broth
Pour in beef broth and water.
Scrape the bottom.
All those brown bits add flavor.
Add Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf.
Return beef to pot.
Step 5 – Simmer Slowly
Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat.
Cover and simmer 60–90 minutes.
Beef becomes tender.
Broth thickens beautifully.
A slow simmer creates magic.
Step 6 – Toast the Bread
Slice baguette.
Toast until golden and crispy.
Perfect for dipping.
Adds texture to every bite.
Step 7 – Serve
Ladle soup into bowls.
Top with toasted bread.
Sprinkle parsley.
Optional cheese melts beautifully on top.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor
Brown the beef well.
Cook onions slowly.
Use good quality broth.
Simmer low and slow.
Season at the end.
These small steps make a big difference.
Delicious Variations
Want to switch it up?
Add mushrooms
Add shredded cheese on top
Use red wine in broth
Add potatoes or carrots
Make it spicy with chili flakes
This soup is easy to customize.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on stove.
Flavor gets even better next day.
Perfect for meal prep.
What to Serve With It
This soup pairs beautifully with:
Crusty bread
Garlic toast
Side salad
Roasted vegetables
Grilled cheese
Simple sides complete the meal.
Why This Recipe Works
Caramelized onions add sweetness.
Beef adds richness.
Slow cooking tenderizes meat.
Flour thickens broth.
Toasted bread adds crunch.
Everything balances perfectly.
The result is bold, cozy, and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This hearty beef onion soup is pure comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and packed with deep homemade flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours. Whether you’re feeding family or just craving something cozy, this recipe never disappoints.