Imagine a dish that transports you to the rolling countryside of France with just one spoonful - a hearty, slow-cooked beef stew that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine! This French Country Beef Stew isn't just a meal; it's a comforting embrace of rich flavors, tender meat, and soul-satisfying ingredients that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a rustic French farmhouse, filling your home with irresistible aromas that promise pure culinary magic.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the beef chuck into 1-2 inch pieces, chop the onion, slice the carrots, and cube the potatoes. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef chuck in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot with the onions. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
- Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any flavorful bits that may have stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, check the beef and vegetables for tenderness. The beef should be fork-tender, and the vegetables should be soft. If needed, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
- Once done, remove the pot from heat. Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld even further.
- Serve the French Country Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose beef chuck with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor. The fat will help keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
- Searing is Crucial: Take your time when browning the beef. This step develops deep, rich flavors that are fundamental to an authentic French stew.
- Low and Slow: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The 2-hour simmer is essential for breaking down tough meat fibers and melding flavors.
- Don't Overcrowd: When searing beef, work in batches to ensure each piece browns properly. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of creating a flavorful crust.
- Deglazing Matters: When adding broth, make sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot - these are packed with incredible flavor!
- Let it Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors settle and intensify.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for an even more developed flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
