French Country-Style Beef Stew
A hearty French country-style beef stew with tender meat, rich tomato flavors, and aromatic thyme, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine beef stew meat and flour in a plastic bag and toss to coat evenly.
- In a 6-quart pot, brown the coated meat in oil.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, carrots, potatoes, and thyme to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard.
- If the stew is too thin, add a little Wondra flour to thicken.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs such as rosemary or bay leaves in addition to thyme. If you're out of Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard can be a great substitute. For a heartier stew, try adding mushrooms or peas towards the end of cooking. You can also use a slow cooker for this recipe, similar to how you might prepare a Crock-Pot French Onion Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew hot over a bed of fluffy rice or with crusty bread for dipping. A side of steamed green beans or a mixed greens salad can add freshness to the meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine for an elevated dining experience. For similar hearty options, check out beef recipes like Irish Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Country-Style Beef Stew contains roughly 1452 calories, with 29g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% 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 type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with other cuts like chuck roast or brisket. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the tenderness of the meat you choose. For a different flavor, you could also try using lamb or pork.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make the stew gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the meat. Ensure that the beef broth and any canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free as well. The flavors will remain delicious without the gluten.
What can I do if my stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, you can balance the flavors by adding a peeled potato to the pot while it simmers. The potato will absorb some of the saltiness. Alternatively, consider adding more vegetables or a splash of water or broth to dilute the saltiness.
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).