This incredibly delicious French-Style Beef Stew comes together in about 2 hours (yes, you read that right 2 hours, I promise it’s worth the wait!) and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Feel free to switch up the vegetables and ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the warm, comforting smell of stew wafting through the house?

Ingredient Breakdown

Beef Stew Meat

You’ll need 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces. This cut is perfect for stewing because it’s tough enough to handle long cooking times which makes it super tender and flavorful. I recommend using chuck roast if you can find it, it really brings out the best flavor. You could substitute with brisket or even a leaner cut, but they won’t be as tender in the end.

Red Wine

Using 2 cups of red wine really elevates the taste of this stew. The wine deepens the flavors and adds a hint of acidity that balances everything out. Now, if you’re not a wine drinker, you can use beef broth instead, although you’ll lose some of that rich depth. I prefer a nice dry red, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Carrots

You’ll need 4 carrots, sliced. Carrots add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the stew, which is just delightful. You can also sub in parsnips or even sweet potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous!

Potatoes

4 potatoes, diced, bring that hearty comfort food feel. I like to use Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but Russets or even red potatoes work really well too! If you’re watching carbs, no judgment here you can just leave them out.

Onion

1 onion, chopped, adds sweetness and depth to our stew. For a twist, try using shallots or even leeks! They will give you a slightly different flavor profile but will work so well in this recipe.

Garlic

You’ll want 4 cloves of garlic, minced because who doesn’t love a good punch of garlic? The aromatic magic that happens when garlic cooks is just the best. If you’re in a hurry, you can use garlic powder in a pinch, about a teaspoon should do!

Beef Broth

For a comforting base, you need 2 cups of beef broth. This is the heart of your stew! If you’re looking for lower sodium options, go for low-sodium broth, or even veggie broth will work if that’s what you’ve got on hand!

Tomato Paste

A couple tablespoons of tomato paste will give you that rich, umami flavor that rounds everything out. It’s also a great thickener! If you don’t have it, you could use crushed tomatoes or even a splash of tomato sauce.

Seasonings

For that perfect finish, you’ll need 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. If you’re out of thyme, you can use Italian seasoning as a substitute! And don’t forget those couple pinches of salt and pepper to highlight the flavors!

Olive Oil

Lastly, use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables. This adds that rich flavor and helps develop a lovely color in the meat. You can also swap it out for butter if you want to get a little fancy!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. It’s important to let that oil get nice and hot before adding your beef stew meat. You’re looking for a sizzle! Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. The best part is the yummy bits that stick to the bottom, those are pure flavor gold!

2. Add Onion and Garlic

Now, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re lovely and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s done once that delicious aroma fills your kitchen, like a cozy embrace of comfort!

3. Deglaze the Pot

Next, stir in the tomato paste. Cook for another minute or so, just until it slightly darkens. Then, put on your superhero hat and pour in the red wine. It’s deglazing time, friends scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot! Bring this mixture to a simmer.

4. Add the Broth and Veggies

Once it’s simmering, it’s time to add the beef broth along with your carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and a couple more pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir!

5. The Magic Happens

Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. The house will start smelling absolutely amazing while all the flavors meld together seriously, it’s going to make your heart sing!

6. Finish Up

Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! Now, taste it feel free to adjust seasoning if needed. You can also add a splash more broth if you want it a bit thinner!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving warm, hearty comfort food that can cozy up a chilly evening! I’m a real sucker for stews that simmer all day, filling the home with irresistible smells. And the best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that my picky eater always asks for seconds. Plus, it’s amazingly versatile! You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, and it will still turn out fantastic!

If you loved this French-Style Beef Stew, be sure to check out my Cuban Mojo Pork, my Sous Vide Coffee Ancho Short Ribs, or my Classic Colorado Chili they make the perfect side dishes!

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food

This stew is loaded with tons of flavor! The long cooking time allows the meat to break down beautifully, becoming fall-apart tender, while the veggies absorb all that richness.

One-Pot Wonder

It truly comes together all in one pot! This means minimal cleanup, which is a big win in my book. Less mess means I can actually sit down and enjoy it with my family.

Customizable

I love that you can use whatever ingredients you have! Feel free to switch up the veggies, use frozen vegetables, or even substitute the beef with chicken or make a vegetarian version with mushrooms and lentils. Seriously, use what’s in your fridge!

Make-Ahead Friendly

This dish is perfect for meal prep make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy the leftovers all week! It actually tastes better the next day once all the flavors have had time to party together in the fridge.

Budget-Friendly

It uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Plus, you’ll likely have leftovers, making this a great value meal!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Stew

Serve this lovely French-Style Beef Stew with a piece of crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. You can even garnish it with some fresh thyme for an elegant touch!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This stew freezes beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This French-Style Beef Stew is sure to become a staple in your home cooking rotation. It’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights or snuggly Sundays when you just want to cozy up with a bowl of stew! So, grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and prepare to impress your family with this delightful dish. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how much they’ll love it!

And remember, even if you make a few mistakes along the way or swap in some different ingredients, trust me, it’s going to be delicious in the end. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.

Remember to enjoy every bite and cherish these kitchen moments with family and friends that, after all, is what cooking is all about!