Name: French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables: Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck; cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 6 slices thick-cut bacon; diced; 1 large yellow onion; chopped; 2 carrots; peeled and sliced; 4 cloves garlic; minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups dry red wine; 2 cups beef stock; 1 bay leaf; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 lb cremini mushrooms; halved; 12 pearl onions; peeled; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Imagine a warm bowl of comfort, where tender chunks of beef meld beautifully with rich red wine and colorful vegetables—a true masterpiece is unfolding. This French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with the wonderful aromas of savory herbs and spices. Each spoonful offers a delightful experience, transporting you to the charming bistros of France.

Beyond merely a meal, this stew embodies tradition and warmth, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. The combination of hearty ingredients creates a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying, ensuring that everyone at the table will eagerly share their admiration. Dive into this classic recipe and let the flavors whisk you away to culinary bliss!

What Makes This Stew Special:

This French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables is a true culinary delight that warms the soul. What sets this dish apart is the deep, rich flavor that develops from slow cooking tender beef in a savory broth infused with robust red wine. The combination of carrots, onions, and potatoes not only adds texture but also a burst of color, making your meal appealing to both the eyes and palate.

Moreover, the addition of herbs like thyme and bay leaves elevate the essence of the classic French approach to cooking, adding aromatic depth that complements the beef beautifully. This stew isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you straight to a quaint bistro in the heart of France.

If you enjoy hearty meals, consider pairing this stew with a side of Roasted Chickpea and Veggie Bowl. The contrast of flavors will make for an irresistible feast that you’ll want to indulge in repeatedly!

Ingredients for French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables:

To prepare this rich and hearty French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables, gather the following ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups dry red wine
2 cups beef stock
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 lb cremini mushrooms, halved
12 pearl onions, peeled
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

This delightful stew blends robust flavors, making it perfect for cozy dinners. You might also enjoy creating a scrumptious dessert like Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue to complete your meal. The combination of tender beef and vibrant vegetables cooked in aromatic red wine will elevate your dining experience. Happy cooking!

How to Prepare :

To create a delectable French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables, start by browning the diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the fat in the pot. Next, add the beef chuck cubes in batches, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside as well. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic until softened. Stir in tomato paste and flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually pour in the dry red wine and simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef stock, bacon, beef, bay leaf, thyme, mushrooms, and pearl onions. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer covered for about two hours. For a delightful twist, consider enjoying it alongside these mini meatball sliders. Check out more details here for impressive serving suggestions. Finally, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Serving Suggestions for French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables:

When enjoying a rich and hearty French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables, it’s essential to serve it in a way that enhances its flavors. Begin by pairing your stew with a crusty loaf of French bread. This not only allows you to savor every drop of the savory sauce but also adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

For a classic touch, present the stew in deep, rustic bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color. On the side, consider serving a light salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad or a refreshing corn gazpacho with salmon and crispy rice. The contrast of temperatures and textures can elevate your dining experience. Pairing this dish with a glass of the same red wine used in the stew will complement the flavors beautifully.

For a sweet ending, indulge in mini lemon tarts with lilac meringue, offering a zesty counterpoint to the hearty stew. These serving suggestions will certainly make your meal unforgettable!

Storage Tips for French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables:

To ensure that your French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables remains fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. First, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This step minimizes moisture buildup, which can affect the stew’s texture. When stored in the refrigerator, enjoy your beef stew within three to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. The stew can last up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stew again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Be sure to check for flavor; you might want to add a splash of red wine for that delicious depth. If you’re in the mood for more culinary delights, check out these Ginger Carrot Beef Rolls, a perfect complement to your meal.

Nutritional Information for French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables:

This classic French beef stew, infused with rich red wine and fresh vegetables, offers a delightful combination of flavors. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, with a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Additionally, it provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it not just delicious but also nutritious. For a tasty pairing, try these savory palmiers which complement the stew beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What makes French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables unique?

The charm of this dish lies in its rich, aromatic flavors developed through slow cooking. Using quality red wine enhances the stew’s depth, while seasonal vegetables add freshness and color, resulting in a symphony of tastes.

What type of red wine is best for beef stew?

Opt for a bold wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These varietals complement the beef and infuse the stew with a robust flavor, making your French-style beef stew a deep, satisfying dish.

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can use lamb or even chicken. Each option will impart a different flavor profile, allowing creativity in preparing a similar stew.

How long should I cook the stew for optimal flavor?

For the best results, slow-cook your stew for at least two to three hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, yielding a tender bite of meat and enriching the vegetable taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of French stew?

Yes, by substituting beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth, you can create a delightful vegetarian stew that retains the essence of the original dish.

What goes well with beef stew?

Accompany your French-Style Beef Stew with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. A simple side salad can also provide a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the stew.

For more delicious culinary inspiration, check out this Savory Palmiers with Bacon, Gruyère, and Caramelized Onions, which showcases a blend of flavors that can complement your meal.

French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables: Comfort Food

Total Time: 110
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables is a hearty and delicious dish that warms the soul with its rich flavors and tender beef.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck

cut into 1.5-inch cubes

6 slices thick-cut bacon

diced

1 large yellow onion

chopped

2 carrots

peeled and sliced

4 cloves garlic

minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups dry red wine

2 cups beef stock

1 bay leaf

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 lb cremini mushrooms

halved

12 pearl onions

peeled

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well.
Gradually pour in the red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Add the beef stock, bay leaf, thyme, mushrooms, pearl onions, and the reserved bacon back into the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Before serving, stir in butter for added richness.