Name: Julia Child French Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless beef chuck (cut into 1½-inch pieces); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 medium yellow onions (cut into 1-inch chunks); 7 cloves garlic (peeled and smashed); 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1½ tablespoons tomato paste; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups dry red wine; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups water; 1 bay leaf; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1½ teaspoons sugar; 4 large carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks on a diagonal); 1 pound small white boiling potatoes (baby yukons, cut in half); Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

This easy and comforting julia child french Stew is perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a simple, nutritious meal you can make with everyday ingredients. Braised to perfection, this stew will warm you up and satisfy your hunger in no time!

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Ingredients Needed

3 pounds boneless beef chuck (cut into 1½-inch pieces)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium yellow onions (cut into 1-inch chunks)
7 cloves garlic (peeled and smashed)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1½ tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups dry red wine
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1½ teaspoons sugar
4 large carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks on a diagonal)
1 pound small white boiling potatoes (baby yukons, cut in half)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

How To Make French Stew

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F and set the rack in the lower-middle position.
Brown the beef: Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in 3 batches, about 5 minutes per batch, adding 1 tablespoon of oil for each batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Cook the aromatics: Add onions, garlic, and balsamic vinegar to the same pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
Add liquids and beef: Return the browned beef to the pot and sprinkle with flour. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the flour dissolves. Add wine, beef broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and sugar, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
Braise in the oven: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 hours.
Add vegetables: Remove the pot from the oven and stir in the carrots and potatoes. Cover again and return to the oven for about 1 more hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the broth thickens.
Finish and serve: Discard the bay leaf, taste the stew, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, or let it cool and refrigerate overnight for better flavor. Reheat before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

Don’t crowd the pan when browning the beef: Brown the beef in batches to get a nice, crispy crust. This helps the meat cook evenly and adds flavor.
Use a heavy pot: A Dutch oven or heavy soup pot ensures even cooking and prevents burning, giving your stew the perfect texture.
Let the stew cool before refrigerating: Allow it to cool to room temperature first; this helps preserve the flavor and prevents bacteria growth.
Thicken the broth with flour: Stir in flour with the beef to make the broth richer and more satisfying.
Season after cooking: Taste your stew before serving and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking. This ensures the flavors are balanced.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers french stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Transfer leftovers french stew to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers french stew on the stove over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little water or broth. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Fact

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of a 9-inch pie)

Calories: 316
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrate: 46g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 4g

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