Provençal Beef Stew
Transport yourself to the sun-kissed fields of Provence with our hearty and flavorful Beef Stew. Tender chunks of beef, aromatic herbs, and hearty vegetables come together in a rich tomato-based sauce, creating a rustic dish that's perfect for cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine optional
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced bell peppers, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add the halved cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Stir to combine.
- Tie the fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves together with kitchen twine to make a bouquet garni, and add it to the pot.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the stew simmer gently for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the stew is done cooking, discard the bouquet garni and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the Provençal Beef Stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or cooked rice on the side.
Notes
Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence with our Provençal Beef Stew recipe, where tender beef, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables come together in a symphony of flavor. Perfect for cozy nights in or elegant dinner parties, this hearty stew is a taste of French countryside living that will leave you craving for more. So grab your apron and a glass of red wine, and let's bring a taste of Provence to your kitchen!