French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables

Looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to warm you up on a cold day? This French-style beef stew with red wine and vegetables is the perfect solution. Packed with tender beef, savory bacon, and aromatic herbs, this stew is a comforting and delicious option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Great Flavors: The combination of red wine, beef, and vegetables creates a rich and complex flavor profile that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
2. Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this stew is easy to make even for beginners.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

• Beef chuck: This cut of meat is ideal for stewing as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
• Thick-cut bacon: Adds a smoky and savory depth of flavor to the stew.
• Carrots and onions: These vegetables provide sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Red wine: Adds richness and complexity to the stew.
• Cremini mushrooms: These mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish.
• Butter and olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the stew.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot, brown the beef in batches until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Cook the bacon: In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Add the tomato paste and flour: Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze with wine and stock: Pour in the red wine and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add herbs and mushrooms: Tie the bay leaf and thyme together with kitchen twine and add to the pot along with the mushrooms.
6. Simmer: Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
7. Add pearl onions: Add the peeled pearl onions and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the onions are tender.
8. Finish with butter: Stir in the butter to add richness to the stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Helpful Tips:

• For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of softened butter with a tablespoon of flour and whisk into the stew.
• To enhance the flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. For even more depth of flavor, brown the meat in batches without overcrowding the pan.
2. Use a good quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking to enhance the overall taste of the stew.
3. Let the stew cool and refrigerate overnight before reheating to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

This French-style beef stew pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery egg noodles. Serve with a glass of red wine or a hearty beer for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the stew.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I freeze this stew? Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
2. Can I use a different cut of meat? You can use stewing beef or even lamb for this recipe, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
3. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can brown the meat and vegetables before transferring to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Conclusion:

Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this French-style beef stew with red wine and vegetables is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy and bon appétit!

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