Name: French-Style Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 carrots, sliced; 3 potatoes, cubed; 1 cup red wine; 3 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

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Why Make This Recipe

French-Style Beef Stew is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It’s filled with hearty beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. This recipe is not just tasty; it’s also a great way to bring friends and family together around the dinner table. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a meal that feels fancy without too much fuss.

How to Make French-Style Beef Stew

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, cubed
1 cup red wine
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove beef from pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
Add the carrots and potatoes and stir for 5 minutes.
Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Return the beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve French-Style Beef Stew

Serve the beef stew hot, ideally in a deep bowl. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the rich flavors. A glass of red wine can enhance the dining experience, making the meal even more enjoyable.

How to Store French-Style Beef Stew

If you have leftovers, let the stew cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving again.

Tips to Make French-Style Beef Stew

Choose good quality beef chuck for best results; it will become tender as it cooks.
Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas or green beans, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference; some enjoy adding a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can skip the red wine and use more beef broth instead. You can also substitute or add different veggies based on what you have on hand, such as turnips or celery.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. Is it necessary to use red wine?
While red wine adds depth to the stew, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or even grape juice if you prefer not to use alcohol.

3. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! Beef stew often tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.