Why Make This Recipe
French-Style Beef Stew is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This hearty stew is full of rich flavors, thanks to the tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s an ideal way to warm up on a chilly day, and the best part is that it’s easy to make.
How to Make French-Style Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 cups red wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides.
- Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Serve hot, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
How to Serve French-Style Beef Stew
French-Style Beef Stew is best served hot in bowls. You can garnish it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad to complete your meal. This stew is great for leftovers too, as the flavors deepen over time.
How to Store French-Style Beef Stew
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Tips to Make French-Style Beef Stew
- Use a quality red wine for better flavor. You don’t have to break the bank, but a decent wine will improve the stew.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms based on your preference.
- Let the stew sit for a little while after cooking. This will help the flavors meld together.
Variation
You can try adding some herbs like bay leaves or using different cut of meat, like chuck or brisket, for a different taste and texture. Some people also like to include a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef in this stew?
Yes, you can make a similar stew using chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken generally cooks faster than beef.
2. Is it necessary to use wine in this recipe?
While wine adds great flavor, you can skip it if preferred. Use extra beef broth or broth mixed with a bit of vinegar as a substitute.
3. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
French-Style Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 cups red wine Use a quality red wine for better flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms.
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides.
- Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.