French Beef Stew
French Beef Stew, also called Beef Bourguignon, is a traditional way to tender rigid meat with red wine. The wine should be Burgundy. Also, this French beef stew recipe, or Beef bourguignon or Boeuf bourguignon, is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. This easy beef stew recipe delivers tender beef in a rich red wine stew, showcasing the best of French cuisine. While it simmers low and slow, this Boeuf Bourguignon recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it a surprisingly simple yet elegant dinner. This recipe will impress if you’re looking for an easy beef stew, a comforting French stew, or a delicious beef and wine stew. You can even adapt this classic beef stew for the slow cooker!
- Servings 6
- Prep 20 min
- Cooking 3-4 hrs.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 500 kcal Protein: 40 g Fat: 22 g Saturated Fat: 10g Carbohydrates: 35 g Dietary Fiber: 5 g Sugars: 4.8g Cholesterol: 120 mg Sodium: 300 mg
Ingredients in French Beef Stew
- Three pounds of lean beef, cubed
- Three bay leaves
- Two carrots, peeled and cut
- Two chopped onions
- Three finely minced garlic cloves
- Two cups of red wine
- Salt and pepper-to taste.
- Three tbsp. of tomato paste
- Three tbsp. of butter
- Three tbsp. of all-purpose flour
- Three tsps. of chopped fresh or dried greens: basil, parsley, thyme
- Seven medium-sized potatoes
Kitchen Tools for French Beef Stew Recipe
- Dutch oven or large casserole
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Plate (for holding browned beef)
- Paper towels (for patting beef dry)
- Ladle
How to Cook French Beef Stew
- To ensure beef cubes brown nicely, begin by patting them dry with paper towels.
- Heat a casserole or deep frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the beef cubes and sauté them until they are browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a deep flavor.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it to a plate and set aside.
- Add the garlic and onions to the same casserole. Sauté for about half a minute, just until they start to soften and become fragrant. This step will layer the flavors.
- Return the browned beef to the casserole. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and the dried herbs. Toss everything together so that the meat is well-seasoned.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and quickly toss everything to ensure the meat is evenly coated. The flour will help thicken the stew as it cooks.
- Pour in the red wine and stir the mixture. Allow it to simmer for three minutes. The wine will deglaze the pan, lifting any browned bits from the bottom, which adds complexity to the stew’s flavor.
- Add water, just enough to cover the meat. This will create the stew’s base.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, and bay leaves into the casserole. Stir everything together to combine.
- Lower the heat, cover the casserole, and let the stew simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors together beautifully.
- It’s ready to serve once the stew is cooked and the beef is tender. For a complete meal, enjoy this hearty French Beef Stew with a side of crusty bread and a fresh salad.
Tips
- Beef: Choose a well-marbled cut of meat like chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness in this classic beef stew.
- Wine: For your beef and wine stew, use a good-quality red wine. Don’t use “cooking wine.”
- Browning: Thoroughly browning the beef is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor in this Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.
- Slow Cooking: This delicious French stew requires a long, slow simmer to tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld.
- Vegetables: Adding the vegetables later prevents them from becoming mushy in this Easy Beef Stew.
- Seasoning: Season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
- Slow-Cooker Adaptation: Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.