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To create a perfect French beef stew, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. The main star is beef. I recommend using beef chuck. It has the right fat and flavor. It breaks down well during cooking, making it tender.

Timeless Beef Stew with a French Twist

Discover the art of making a timeless beef stew with a French twist that will elevate your cooking game! In this post, I share essential ingredients like tender beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs combined with expert cooking techniques. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers mouth-watering results.
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 medium potatoes, diced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

2 cups mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Sear the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until all sides are browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

    Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Then, return the beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth, and stir in the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

        Incorporate Mushrooms and Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and sliced mushrooms. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat and cover the pot. Let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

          Finish with Flavor: Once the stew is done, stir in the Dijon mustard and lemon zest to give it that authentic French twist. Adjust seasoning if needed.

            Serve: Discard the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 2 hours | 6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew with a crusty baguette on the side for dipping, and consider adding a sprig of parsley on top of each bowl for a pop of color.