Name: This French Beef Stew Is the Definition of Cozy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 3 h
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes: The star of the show! Chuck roast is perfect for stewing because it becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.; Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning your beef before browning.; 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.; 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!; 4 cups beef broth: For a rich and flavorful base.; 1 cup red wine: Choose a dry wine like Burgundy or Merlot. It adds complexity and enhances the flavor.; 3 medium carrots, sliced: For sweetness and color.; 2 cups baby potatoes, halved: They add heartiness and soak up all the delicious flavors.; 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy mushrooms bring a wonderful umami flavor.; 2 tablespoons tomato paste: For richness and a hint of acidity.; 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an aromatic note.; 2 bay leaves: For depth of flavor.; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A touch of freshness to finish off the dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes: The star of the show! Chuck roast is perfect for stewing because it becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning your beef before browning.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
4 cups beef broth: For a rich and flavorful base.
1 cup red wine: Choose a dry wine like Burgundy or Merlot. It adds complexity and enhances the flavor.
3 medium carrots, sliced: For sweetness and color.
2 cups baby potatoes, halved: They add heartiness and soak up all the delicious flavors.
1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy mushrooms bring a wonderful umami flavor.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: For richness and a hint of acidity.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an aromatic note.
2 bay leaves: For depth of flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A touch of freshness to finish off the dish.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season the Beef: Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that gorgeous brown crust. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half of the beef cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. You want that beautiful, caramelized color. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are packed with flavor!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the Broth and Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the sliced carrots, halved baby potatoes, sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.

Step 5: Simmer

Let it Simmer: Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become fork-tender. Stir occasionally and enjoy the delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and Adjust: After 2 hours, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 450