Best French Beef Stew Recipes

BOEUF EN DAUBE - CLASSIC FRENCH BEEF BURGUNDY STEW (BOURGUIGNON)

Steps:

• In a large non-reactive bowl, combine beef, Cognac, cloves, garlic, onions, carrots, celery, bay leaf, sage, thyme, parsley, 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, orange peel, wine, and mushrooms. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for up to 2 days, stirring from time to time.
• Bring the meat and vegetables to room temperature. Drain, reserving the marinade.
• Blot the beef and veggies dry with paper towels.
• Preheat oven to 325F/175°C.
• In a large heavy oven proof dish (such as a cast iron dutch oven or Le Creuset), fry the bacon over medium heat until it renders its fat, about 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to paper towels and reserve.
• Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, add the meat and vegetables to the fat in the pan, and brown them on all sides over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper as they brown, about 7 minutes per batch.
• Transfer to a platter. Add the marinade to the pot, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by one-third, about 8 minutes. Skim off the foam from the surface. Add the stock or consomme, and simmer another 8 minutes, until reduced again by one-third. Stir in the pinch of sugar and the tomato paste, (and add the diced tomatoes and green olives now, if using).
• Return the meat, vegetables and reserved bacon to the pot. Cover and bake in the oven until the meat is tender, 2 1/2-3 hours. -OR- alternately, at this stage you can cook in the crock-pot on LOW heat 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH heat 4 to 6 hours.
• Serve with a rustic bread for mopping the juices, along with a green salad and a platter of cheeses.
• Freezes and reheats beautifully. Leftovers will make a lovely Cottage-Shepherd's Pie a la Provencale, see my recipe #355446.

DAUBE PROVENCAL (FRENCH BEEF STEW)

Steps:

• Cover mushrooms with 1 cup hot tap water in small microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents in plastic with paring knife, and microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Let stand until mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes. Lift mushrooms from liquid with fork and chop into 1/2 inch pieces (you should have about 4 tablespoons). Strain liquid through fine-mesh strainer lined with 1 paper towel into medium bowl. Set mushrooms and liquid aside.
• Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position; heat oven to 325 degrees. Dry beef thoroughly with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking; add half of beef. Cook without moving pieces until well browned, about 2 minutes on each side, for total of 8 to 10 minutes, reducing heat if fat begins to smoke. Transfer meat to medium bowl. Repeat with remaining oil and remaining meat.
• Reduce heat to medium and add salt pork, carrots, onions, garlic, and tomato paste to now empty pot; cook, stirring occasionally, until light brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Slowly add wine, gently scraping pan bottom to loosen browned bits. Add broth, water, beef, and any juices in bowl. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to full simmer. Add mushrooms and their liquid, orange zest, 1/2 cup olives, anchovies, thyme, and bay, distributing evenly and arranging beef so it is completely covered by liquid; cover partially and place in oven. Cook until fork inserted in beef meets little resistance (meat should not be falling apart), 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
• Discard salt pork, thyme, and bay leaves. Add tomatoes and remaining 1/2 cup olives; warm over medium-high heat until heated through, about 1 minute. Cover pot and allow stew to settle, about 5 minutes. Using spoon, skim excess fat from surface of stew. Stir in parsley and serve.

FRENCH ESSENTIALS: DAUBE DE BOEUF (STEW OF BEEF)

Steps:

• 1. This recipe will serve about six, unless you are REALLY hungry. If you do not need that much you can always cut the ingredients in half. Some recipes do not do well when you start cutting it down, but with this one... No worries. A second option would be to freeze part of it for later.
• 2. You will need a non-reactive bowl (stainless steel, glass, ceramic) to hold the marinade and beef. Plus, you will need an ovenproof container with a lid for the baking (ceramic, Dutch oven). Note: The choice of the ovenproof container is important. If you look at the pictures of the container that I used, you can see it is pretty much full, you do not want to use something that is too big, or the meat will dry out. So, choose one that when all the ingredients are inside, it is at least three quarters full.
• 3. Baked Garlic I love what baking does to garlic... it mellows the flavor and creates an awesome ingredient that enhances so many diverse dishes. I use it so much in catering that I usually bake 15 or more heads of garlic at a time, and then save them for when needed. If you do not wish to use baked garlic, you can use regular minced cloves, but cut the amount in half. Here is the recipe that I use... it is easy/peasy: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/cooking-essentials-baked-garlic.html?r=4
• 4. The Wine You need one standard bottle, 25.5 ounces or 750ml. You will want a good dry red wine for this recipe, such as a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Malbec... There are others (to be sure), but this is a good start. Since the wine imparts its flavor into the beef, choose a wine that you enjoy drinking. In the immortal words of Julia Child: If it is not good enough to drink, it is not fit for cooking. I used a Cabernet Sauvignon, cost about $10.00. FYI: If wine is not your thing (pity that), you can sub an equal amount of good beef stock, not broth, and maybe a teaspoon or two of white vinegar.
• 5. The Beef Due to the long cook time, pretty much any type of beef will do quite nicely. This is the type of recipe that makes just about any cut taste super yummy. So, do not feel like you need to break the bank on this one.
• 6. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 7. THE MARINADE
• 8. Whisk all the marinade ingredient together in a non-reactive bowl and reserve.
• 9. THE BEEF
• 10. Trim any excess fat off the beef, and cube.
• 11. You do not have to be precise about cutting up the beef, as a matter of fact, varying the size of the cubes will make the dish look a bit rustic.
• 12. Place 3 strips of bacon into a pan of boiling water and blanch for about 5 minutes, reserve the other three strips for later.
• 13. When cool, cut into about 1-inch (2.5cm) wide pieces.
• 14. Sprinkle the salt and pepper onto the baked garlic, then crush into a paste with the side of a large knife (like a kitchen knife or santoku).
• 15. Take the cut bacon and mix it with the garlic.
• 16. Using a small blade, like a paring knife, cut a slit in the middle of each one of the beef cubes, and stuff them with a piece of the bacon.
• 17. Add them to the reserved marinade, cover, then place into the fridge for about 12 hours.
• 18. About the time the beef is ready, add a bit of grapeseed oil (or other non-flavored variety) to a skillet over medium heat, add the sliced onions, and cook until they soften and just begin to color, about 3 - 5 minutes.
• 19. Place the 3 strips of reserved bacon into the bottom of an ovenproof container and cover with the onions.
• 20. Place a rack in the bottom position and preheat the oven to 325f (165c).
• 21. Using the same pan that you cooked the onions in, drizzle a bit more oil, then add some of the marinated beef cubes.
• 22. Sear on two sides, about 2 - 3 minutes per side.
• 23. You want the beef to sear, not steam, so do the searing in small batches, leaving plenty of space between the cubes.
• 24. As one batch finishes, place them into the ovenproof container over the onions and bacon.
• 25. Here is mine with all the beef cubes.
• 26. Strain the reserved marinade, add the butter to the skillet you cooked the onions and beef. Add the marinade, and stir until it just begins to simmer, then take off the heat.
• 27. Pour into the container with the beef, cover, and place into the preheated oven for 3 - 4 hours.
• 28. After about 2.5 hours, check on the beef, and about every 15 minutes thereafter. When it is well browned and fall-apart fork tender, it is ready.
• 29. PLATE/PRESENT
• 30. Serve over a pile of garlic mash taters, nice flat egg noodles, or whatever you choose. Enjoy.
• 31. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

SLOW-COOKER COUNTRY FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Place bacon in cooker. Discard all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet. Cook beef in bacon fat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown. Stir onion into beef. Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Spoon mixture into cooker.
• Stir carrots, wine, broth, flour, basil, thyme, salt, pepper and canned diced tomatoes into mixture in cooker.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours.
• Stir in mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 20 to 30 minutes longer or until sun-dried tomatoes are tender. Serve beef mixture over noodles; sprinkle with parsley.

FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with the beef, carrots, onions and celery. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over the vegetables. , Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.

GARLIC MUSHROOM FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. In a stockpot, brown the beef in oil in batches. Remove and keep warm. , In the same pan, saute onions and carrots in 2 tablespoons butter for 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in mushrooms, potatoes, broth, wine, basil and beef. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 hours. Uncover; simmer 20-30 minutes longer or until beef is tender. , In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir into stew; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.

FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• In a large bowl combine beef chunks, wine, bay leaf, cloves, onion and garlic. Toss together to coat meat, cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 - 12 hours.
• In a large heavy pot, melt butter and cook off bacon until just crispy and set aside to drain. Scoop beef from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Toss in a bowl with flour to coat. Shake off excess flour. Add the floured beef to the pot and cook until nicely browned. Stir in the onion and garlic from the marinade, as well as the thyme, stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
• Peel the pearl onions and trim off a little bit of the root end. Melt butter in a small skillet and add pearl onions. Toss to coat and pour in 1/4 cup of water and cover. Simmer until tender. Uncover and allow liquid to evaporate. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon sugar and shake pan over medium heat until onions begin to brown and caramelize. Season with salt and pepper.
• In another skillet melt 3 tablespoons butter and cook mushrooms until golden brown. Stir in crispy bacon bits and season with salt and pepper.
• When the beef is tender, remove meat with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Simmer sauce until
• thickened and stir in flour/butter mixture to help thicken. Season sauce to taste. Return beef to pot and bring stew to a boil. Serve hot with boiled potatoes, pearl onions, mushrooms and garnish with chopped parsley.

COUNTRY FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• 1. Lightly toss beef with flour; set aside. In Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp; remove. Reserve drippings. Heat oil with drippings and brown beef in 3 batches over medium high heat; remove beef and set aside. Into pot add 1/4 cup water and cook 1 minute until only a thin glaze remains.
• 2. Stir in onion soup mix blended with 2 cups water, wine and mustard; bring to a boil; add beef and bacon. Simmer covered, stirring occasionally for 1 1/2 hours. Stir in carrots, and simmer 25 minutes. Add mushrooms and simmer another 5 minutes.
• 3. Add Parsley and salt & pepper to taste. Serve over parslied egg noodles.

FRENCH COUNTRY BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Combine meat and flour in plastic bag; toss to coat evenly.
• Brown meat in oil in 6-quart pot. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Add remaining ingredients, except mustard.
• Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour or until beef is tender. Blend in mustard.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with warm crusty French bread, if desired.

SLOW COOKER COUNTRY FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Place bacon in cooker. Discard all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet. Cook beef in bacon fat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown. Stir onion into beef. Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Spoon mixture into cooker.
• Stir carrots, wine, broth, flour, basil, thyme, salt, pepper and canned diced tomatoes into mixture in cooker.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours.
• Stir in mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 20 to 30 minutes longer or until sun-dried tomatoes are tender. Serve beef mixture over noodles; sprinkle with parsley.

COUNTRY FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• If using dry beans, rinse beans.
• In a large saucepan combine drained beans and the 4 cups water.
• Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
• Simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Cover and let stand for 1 hour.
• (Or, place beans in water in pan. Cover and let soak in a cool place for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.) Drain and rinse beans.
• Place flour and pepper in a plastic bag.
• Add beef pieces, a few at a time, shaking to coat.
• In a 4- or 6-quart Dutch oven brown half of the beef in 1 tablespoon of the hot oil; remove beef.
• Add remaining oil, remaining beef, onion, and garlic to Dutch oven.
• Cook until beef is brown and onion is tender.
• Drain fat, if necessary.
• Stir in wine, scraping until the brown bits are dissolved.
• Return all beef to Dutch oven.
• Stir in beans, soup stock or broth, tomato, and dried thyme (if using).
• Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
• Simmer, covered, for 1-1/2 hours.
• Add carrots and parsnips.
• Return to boiling; reduce heat.
• Simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes more or until beef and vegetables are tender.
• Stir in fresh thyme (if using).
• If desired, garnish with parsley.
• *Note:If using canned beans, decrease soup stock or broth to 1 cup.

FRENCH BRAISED BEEF STEW WITH GINGER (DAUBE DE JOUE DE BOEUF AU GINGEMBRE)

Steps:

• Roll each chunk of beef cheek in flour. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high heat. Brown beef cheek chunks on all sides. Remove from pan. Add salt pork to pan and stir 1 minute. Add chopped onion and sliced carrots and cook gently on medium heat until slightly browned. Place meat over lardons, onion and carrots. Pour wine, add thyme, orange zest, celery and tomato paste as well as a little salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on very low heat for 3 hours. Add ginger and and white pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve with boiled potatoes or fettuccini.

DELUXE FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Place bacon strips in a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until browned and crisp. Set bacon aside, and brown the beef cubes in bacon fat. Gradually stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits as you stir. Dissolve the bouillon cube in boiling water, and pour into the pan. Add garlic, thyme, minced onion, salt and orange peel. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for one hour, until meat is tender.
• Dissolve cornstarch in cold water, and pour into the soup. When soup has thickened, add the peas, onions, olives and mushrooms. Cook until heated through, and serve.

FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Combine meat and flour in a large plastic food storage bag and toss to coat evenly.
• In a 6 quart saucepan brown meat in hot vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, carrots, potatoes and thyme. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover; and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
• Blend in mustard and serve.

FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• In a large bowl combine beef, wine, bay leaf, cloves, onion and garlic.
• Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 4-12 hours.
• Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in large skillet and cook bacon until crispy; remove and set aside to drain.
• Remove beef from marinade and pat dry.
• Discarde marinade, reserving onion and garlic.
• Dredge beef with flour to coat.
• Brown on all sides in remaining bacon drippings in skillet, adding more butter if needed.
• Place browned beef in oven-proof casserole dish.
• Add onion and garlic from marinade, the thyme, beef stock and salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
• In skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and cook mushrooms until golden brown.
• Stir in crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper.
• When stew is done, serve with mushrooms and bacon and sprinkle with parsley.

FRENCH-STYLE BEEF STEW RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Steps:

• Heat oil in medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add beef, sweet potato, white wine, canned tomatoes and their juice, Dijon mustard, thyme sprig bundle, and salt and pepper to taste, to Dutch oven; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour. Add mushrooms to pot and simmer, covered, until meat is fork-tender, about 1 hour longer. Remove and discard thyme sprigs. Serve sprinkled with thyme leaves.

FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Combine meat and flour in a large plastic food storage bag and toss to coat evenly.
• In a 6-quart saucepan or stockpot, brown meat in hot vegetable oil.
• Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, carrots, potatoes and thyme.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 1- 1 1/2 hours, until beef is tender.
• Blend in mustard and serve.
• If you like a thicker stew, mix 3 or 4 tablespoons of flour with some water and add to the pot.
• Heat and stir for a few minutes more, until thickened.