Warm up your kitchen with a classic French-Inspired Beef Stew! This hearty dish is not only packed with rich flavors but also comfort in every bite. Your family will love this satisfying stew, especially on chilly days. With tender chunks of beef and a mix of colorful vegetables simmered in a rich broth, it’s a meal that brings everyone together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Delicious: Each bite explodes with flavor thanks to the combination of beef, red wine, and aromatic herbs.
- Comfort Food: This stew is perfect for warming up your nights or impressing guests at dinner.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Slow-Cooked Goodness: Letting it simmer ensures all the flavors meld beautifully over time.
- Versatile: Great for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe feels fancy but is easy enough for any home cook.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- For the Vegetables:
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For Flavoring:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Cooking:
- Olive oil for browning
How to Make French-Inspired Beef Stew
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and cook until they are browned on all sides. This step adds a rich flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once browned, remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic, frying until they become translucent. This builds the flavor base.
- Add Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste, stirring well. Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in Liquids: Add the red wine and beef broth, mixing thoroughly. Then, incorporate the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors come together.
- Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Enjoy your warm and inviting stew!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your French-Inspired Beef Stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping. To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Helpful Notes
- Cooking Time: If you’re in a hurry, you can cook this dish in a pressure cooker for a quicker meal.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans based on your preference.
- Flavor Boost: Adding mushrooms can give the stew an earthy depth.
Conclusion
This French-Inspired Beef Stew is a winner for any occasion, with its mouthwatering flavors and ability to bring people together. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at a dinner party. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Don’t forget to share your version on social media—what variations did you add? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute with cuts like brisket or round, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
How do I make this stew gluten-free?
Simply ensure that the beef broth and red wine you use are gluten-free.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it stores well in the freezer. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Print
French-Inspired Beef Stew
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty French-inspired beef stew packed with rich flavors and colorful vegetables, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for browning
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides.
- Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic, frying until translucent.
- Mix in the tomato paste and return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the red wine and beef broth, mixing thoroughly along with the carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
- Taste and add salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve in deep bowls garnished with fresh herbs. Pairs well with crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg