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To make a hearty French Country Beef Stew, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 lbs chuck beef, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 large carrots, sliced - 2 parsnips, sliced - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 3 cups beef broth - 2 cups diced tomatoes, canned or fresh - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 bay leaves - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The chuck beef gives the stew its rich flavor. Olive oil helps brown the meat and sauté the veggies. Onions and garlic add depth. Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes provide sweetness and texture. Beef broth forms the base, while tomatoes and herbs bring brightness. Finally, parsley adds freshness when you serve. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes. - Season the cubes with salt and pepper. - Dice the onion and mince the garlic. - Slice the carrots and parsnips. - Dice the potatoes into small pieces. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven. - Brown the beef cubes in batches until golden. - Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. - Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. - Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until soft. - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. - Add the sliced carrots, parsnips, and diced potatoes. - Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften. - Return the browned beef to the pot. - Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. - Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, then stir well. - Bring the stew to a simmer over medium heat. - Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. - Stir occasionally and check if more broth is needed. - Ensure the beef is tender before serving. - Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Remove bay leaves before serving. - Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. They boost flavor and aroma. - Always season your meat with salt and pepper before cooking. This step adds depth. - Browning meat is key. It creates a rich crust and adds complex flavors. When you brown the beef, it locks in juices and enhances the stew's taste. - A Dutch oven is the best pot for this stew. Its heavy base distributes heat well. - Use a wooden spoon for stirring. It prevents scratching and helps mix flavors. - A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables quick and easy. This saves you time in the kitchen. - Overcooking makes the beef dry and tough. Cook just until tender. - Under-cooking leaves meat chewy. Aim for 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering. - Skipping the browning step is a big mistake. This step adds a lot of flavor. Always brown your meat! Pro Tips Browning the Beef: Ensure that the beef is patted dry before seasoning and browning. This helps achieve a rich, caramelized crust and enhances the overall flavor of the stew. <strong.Layering Flavors: Add the vegetables in stages. Start with the onions and garlic, then add the root vegetables. This method helps develop a deeper flavor profile in the stew. Using Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish with their vibrant flavors and aromas. Resting the Stew: For even better flavor, let the stew rest for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. {{image_2}} You can change up the veggies in this stew. Seasonal vegetables add fresh flavor. Try using root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips. You can also add green beans or peas for color. If you don't have parsnips, use more carrots or even celery. This keeps the stew tasty and fun! If you want to switch the meat, you can use chicken or pork. Both options work well. Chicken makes the dish lighter, while pork adds sweetness. For a vegetarian twist, use hearty mushrooms like portobello or shiitake. They give a full flavor that makes the stew rich and delicious. To enhance the taste, add a splash of red wine or brandy. Both add depth and warmth. For some heat, toss in red pepper flakes. This will wake up your taste buds. Remember, a little goes a long way! These tweaks can elevate your stew to the next level. After you finish your stew, let it cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store the stew in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. The stew can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat your stew, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If you use a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the texture nice. In the fridge, your stew lasts about three days. Look for changes in color or smell to check for spoilage. If it smells off or has mold, throw it away. Always trust your senses. French Country Beef Stew, also known as beef bourguignon, comes from France. This dish has roots in rustic cooking. It began as a way for farmers to cook tough cuts of meat. Slow cooking with wine and vegetables makes the meat tender and rich in flavor. Over time, this stew became a beloved staple in French homes. It reflects the heartiness of country cooking and the use of fresh, local ingredients. Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. First, brown the beef in a pan, as the recipe states. Then, transfer the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, tomatoes, and herbs. Set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method keeps the beef juicy and allows flavors to blend well. Beef stew pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some suggestions: - Crusty bread for dipping - Creamy mashed potatoes - Buttered egg noodles - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables Each of these sides balances the stew's rich flavors and makes a complete meal. Absolutely! Making this stew ahead of time is easy and convenient. Cook the stew as directed and let it cool. Then, store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating and enjoy! In this post, we explored the ingredients and steps for making a delicious French Country Beef Stew. We covered how to prepare the beef and vegetables, build flavors, and avoid common mistakes. As you cook, remember to enjoy the process and get creative. This stew is versatile, so feel free to try different vegetables or proteins. Each variation can bring a new taste to your table. Happy cooking!

Rustic French Country Beef Stew

A hearty and comforting beef stew with root vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chuck beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 parsnips sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Stir in the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables start to soften.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and check if you need to add a little more broth.
  • Once the meat is tender, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  • Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, French cuisine