French Beef Au Gratin
A rich French-inspired beef au gratin featuring tender beef cubes, caramelized onions, and melted cheese served over fettuccine, perfect for comforting, elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a pan and saute onions for 15 to 20 minutes until caramelized.
- Remove onions from the pan and brown the beef tenderloin cubes well.
- Return the onions and any juices to the pan with the beef.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add to the pan and stir for 1 minute until bubbly.
- Gradually add beef broth, stirring to scrape up drippings from the pan.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Divide 1/2 cup of cooked fettuccine into each of four 16-ounce bowls.
- Divide the beef mixture over the pasta in each bowl.
- In a bowl, mix cheeses together and sprinkle evenly over the beef.
- Broil about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use high-quality beef tenderloin for tenderness and flavor. If you don't have Vidalia onions, any sweet onion will work. You can substitute the fettuccine with another pasta type, like penne or spaghetti, if desired. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Beef Au Gratin with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a side of creamy mushroom bake for an indulgent touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Beef Au Gratin contains roughly 2672 calories, with 68g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 259g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (157% of the Daily Value), protein (136% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble with the fettuccine and cheese before broiling.
What type of cheese should I use?
A blend of cheeses works best. Consider using Gruyère for its melting quality and sharpness, along with mozzarella for stretchiness. You can also include Parmesan for added flavor.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute it with sirloin or flank steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly and adjust the cooking time to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).