This French Beef Stew, also known as Boeuf en Daube, is a rustic and comforting dish slow-simmered in red wine with tender beef, carrots, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. The flavors deepen as it cooks, creating a rich, hearty stew that’s perfect for a cozy dinner served with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic French comfort food – elegant yet simple.
- Rich, deep flavor thanks to slow cooking with wine and herbs.
- Perfect make-ahead dish – tastes even better the next day.
- One-pot meal that’s satisfying and hearty.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flour (for dredging)
- 2 carrots, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Côtes du Rhône recommended)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Beef – Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper, and lightly dredge in flour. Heat olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides in batches, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables – In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze & Build Flavor – Stir in tomato paste, then pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Simmer Stew – Add beef back to the pot along with beef broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 to 2 ½ hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Finish & Serve – Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty French bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Tips & Variations
- Wine Substitute – If avoiding alcohol, replace wine with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Vegetable Add-Ins – Mushrooms or pearl onions are traditional and delicious additions.
- Make Ahead – Flavors intensify overnight, making this a perfect dish to prepare a day early.
- Thicker Stew – Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
What to Serve With French Beef Stew
- French baguette 🥖 (to soak up the sauce)
- Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
- Roasted green beans or asparagus 🌿
- A glass of red wine 🍷 to complement the rich flavors
✨ This French Beef Stew is cozy, flavorful, and the perfect comfort dish for chilly nights. With its melt-in-your-mouth beef and rich wine sauce, it brings a taste of France right to your table.