French Beef Oven Stew
A hearty French beef stew with tender meat, savory vegetables, and rich flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions that require slow cooking excellence.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. lean boneless beef or top or bottom round, cut in 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 12 oz. small white onions ⓘ
- 4 large carrots, quartered crosswise ⓘ
- 6 oz. small fresh mushrooms, trimmed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 large celery stalks, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tapioca
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 small bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Combine all ingredients except peas in a heavy 3-quart ovenproof pan.
- Cover the pan and bake for three hours, stirring three times, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Discard the bay leaves before serving.
- Stir in 2 cups of frozen peas before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef chunks in a skillet before adding them to the pot. You can substitute the dry red wine with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of tomato juice or increase the tapioca slightly. Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty French Beef Oven Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of Green Beans(Portuguese Style) adds a refreshing contrast. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and additional flavor, and consider pairing it with a glass of the same red wine used in the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Beef Oven Stew contains roughly 1258 calories, with 25g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (275% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (174% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1914mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, while lean boneless beef is recommended, you can use chuck roast for a more marbled cut, which will make the stew even more tender. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as tougher cuts may require longer cooking.
What can I serve with French Beef Oven Stew?
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or over mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the stew, or consider a side of Cabbage Rolls(Also Known As 'Polish Pigeons') for a comforting meal.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Prepare it ahead of time, allow it to cool completely, and then refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, and consider adding a bit of extra liquid if it thickens too much.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).