French Beef Stew

hearty french beef stew

Picture a pot simmering away, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of tender beef and earthy thyme.

There’s something about a French Beef Stew that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for a cozy evening.

With simple ingredients like beef, carrots, and potatoes, this dish transforms into a hearty masterpiece as it cooks.

Let’s bring this delightful stew to life and savor the warmth it brings to our table.

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 large Dutch oven
  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the French Beef Stew, follow this timeline:

  1. Preparation Phase (30 minutes total):
    • 5 minutes: Read through the recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
    • 15 minutes: Prep the ingredients:
    • Cut the beef chuck into 2-inch cubes.
    • Chop the large onion.
    • Mince the garlic cloves.
    • Slice the carrots.
    • Peel and cube the potatoes.
    • 5 minutes: Measure out the olive oil, tomato paste, all-purpose flour, beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and set aside the bay leaves. Prepare the salt and pepper for seasoning.
    • 5 minutes: Prepare the Dutch oven and other cooking utensils.
  2. Cooking Phase (2 hours total):
    • 0 to 20 minutes:
    • Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Brown the beef cubes in batches, then remove and set aside.
    • 20 to 30 minutes:
    • Sauté the onion and garlic in the same pot until soft.
    • Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1 minute.
    • 30 to 40 minutes:
    • Pour in beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
    • Return beef to the pot and add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
    • 40 to 130 minutes:
    • Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours.
    • 130 to 160 minutes:
    • Add carrots and potatoes, then cook for an additional 30 minutes until tender.
  3. Resting Phase (10 minutes):
    • 160 to 170 minutes:
    • Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Brown the beef cubes in batches, then remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.

Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1 minute.

Pour in beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits.

Return beef to the pot and add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.

Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours.

Add carrots and potatoes, then cook for an additional 30 minutes until tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Mashed Potatoes: A creamy base that complements the hearty stew.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the meal.
  • Simple Green Salad: Provides a crisp contrast to the warm, savory stew.
  • Buttered Noodles: A comforting side that pairs well with the tender beef.

Storage

To store French Beef Stew, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months, ensuring proper sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Freezing

To freeze French Beef Stew, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer it to airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat French Beef Stew, gently warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway, until evenly heated.

Avoid boiling.

Final Thoughts

French Beef Stew is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the rich flavors of French cuisine to your table.

After preparing and cooking this stew, it’s important to let it rest for about 10 minutes.

This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Enjoy the stew with a glass of the same red wine used in cooking for a truly authentic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute the Red Wine With Another Liquid?

You can substitute red wine with 1 cup of beef broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Maintain the stew’s balance by ensuring the acidity doesn’t overpower. This technique preserves flavor complexity without wine.

What Is the Best Type of Beef for This Stew?

You should select beef chuck for its marbling, tenderness, and flavor. Cut into 2-inch cubes, it withstands long cooking times. This guarantees your stew achieves ideal richness and succulent texture through proper braising techniques.

How Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?

Sear beef cubes first, then transfer to slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, and liquids. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add carrots and potatoes halfway through. Season before serving.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Stew?

You can create a vegetarian version by substituting beef with 2 pounds of mushrooms and using vegetable broth. Sauté mushrooms until golden, then follow the original recipe, adjusting seasonings to taste. Consider adding lentils for protein.

How Can I Thicken the Stew if It’s Too Thin?

To thicken the stew, create a slurry with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the simmering stew, ensuring even distribution, until it reaches your desired consistency.

hearty french beef stew

French Beef Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine French
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large Dutch oven
  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 carrots sliced
  • 4 potatoes peeled and cubed
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Brown the beef cubes in batches, then remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
  • Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1 minute.
  • Pour in beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Return beef to the pot and add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
  • Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours.
  • Add carrots and potatoes, then cook for an additional 30 minutes until tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
  • Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a good quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking, as it will significantly impact the flavor of the stew. Additionally, allow the stew to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
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