French Onion Beef and Noodles Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Dish

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Heat Olive Oil: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Caramelize the Onions: Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the onions become golden and caramelized. If the onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
Add the Garlic: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Beef

Brown the Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, then add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth and water to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the Noodles: After 30 minutes, add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 4: Add Toppings

Prepare the Cheese: Preheat your oven’s broiler.
Assemble the Soup: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese (and Parmesan cheese, if using).
Broil the Soup: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve

Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful soup!
Serving and Storage Tips