Beef Tips and Caramelized Onion Casserole

• olive oil↗2 tablespoons
• sirloin tip roast↗4 lbs

  trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• ground black pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• butter↗2 tablespoons
• large sweet onions↗4

  thinly sliced

• garlic cloves↗4

  minced

• all-purpose flour↗1⁄3 cup
• beef consomme↗2 cans

  (10 1/2 ounce)

• beef broth↗1 can

  (14 ounce)

• Worcestershire sauce↗2 tablespoons
• bay leaves↗2
• sprigs fresh thyme↗2
• heavy whipping cream↗1⁄2 cup
• French bread↗0.5 package

  (14 ounce), cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and toasted

• cups mozzarella cheese, shredded↗1 1⁄2
• fresh thyme, for garnish↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Sprinkle roast with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Brown roast, in batches, for 3-4 minutes per side; remove from pan and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.

5. 5

   Add onions, and cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes, or until onions are tender.

6. 6

   Increase heat to medium-high, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, or until onions are caramel colored.

7. 7

   Stir in garlic and flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

8. 8

   Add roast, consomme, broth, Worcestershire, bay leaves and thyme.

9. 9

   Simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 1 hour.

10. 10

    Stir in cream, and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

11. 11

    Discard bay leaves.

12. 12

    Preheat broiler.

13. 13

    Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.

14. 14

    Spoon roast mixture into prepared baking dish.

15. 15

    Place toasted French bread slices evenly over roast.

16. 16

    Sprinkle with cheese.

17. 17

    Broil, 5 inches from heat, for 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

18. 18

    Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

19. 19

    Serve immediately.