Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew
This comforting and wholesome one-pot beef stew combines the classic French cooking style with a streamlined approach, ideal for home cooks who appreciate simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Similar to Julia Child's renowned recipe, this version allows all the ingredients to meld together seamlessly in a single pot, resulting in a rich and savory stew that is perfect for chilly evenings. The use of tender beef, crispy bacon, and a medley of vegetables, along with the depth of red wine and spices, creates a warm dish that serves 6-8 hungry diners and is particularly delicious when made ahead of time, as the flavors continue to develop.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
6 ounces (chopped)
Olive oil
to taste (for browning)
Beef stew meat
4 lbs (cut into 1-2 inch chunks)
Carrot
1 (sliced)
Onions
2 cups (sliced)
Red wine
3 cups (young and dry)
Beef stock
3 cups (low sodium)
Bay leaf
1 (imported)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
Orange peel
2 inches (fresh, strip)
Tomato
1 large (cut into chunks)
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon (not diluted)
Garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Potatoes
4 (peeled and chopped)
Flour
3 tablespoons
Soft butter
2 1/2 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2
Add a splash of olive oil if necessary, then add the beef stew meat to the pot in batches, browning all sides evenly. Once browned, remove the meat and set aside with the bacon.
3
In the same pot, add the sliced carrots and onions. Sauté until they are lightly caramelized and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Return the browned bacon and beef to the pot. Pour in the red wine and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5
Add the bay leaf, thyme, orange peel, tomatoes, tomato paste, and crushed garlic cloves. Stir to combine.
6
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8
About 30 minutes before serving, add the chopped potatoes to the stew.
9
In a small bowl, mix the flour and melted butter to form a paste, then stir it into the stew to thicken the broth.
10
Continue to cook on high until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
31.25g
Carbs
26.875g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew?
It is a comforting French-style stew featuring tender beef, bacon, and vegetables simmered in red wine and beef stock.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people.
What type of beef is recommended for this stew?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of beef stew meat cut into 1-2 inch chunks.
How long does the beef stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Can I make this beef stew ahead of time?
Yes, it is particularly delicious when made ahead because the flavors continue to develop over time.
Is this recipe similar to Julia Child's cooking?
Yes, it uses a streamlined approach similar to Julia Child's renowned French cooking style.
Why is it necessary to brown the beef in batches?
Browning the meat in batches ensures all sides are evenly browned, which adds depth and flavor to the stew.
What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
A young and dry red wine is recommended for this beef stew.
How much beef stock is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of low sodium beef stock.
How do I prepare the bacon for this stew?
Use 6 ounces of chopped bacon and cook it until it is browned and crisp.
How is the stew thickened?
Mix 3 tablespoons of flour with 2.5 tablespoons of melted butter to form a paste and stir it into the stew.
When should the potatoes be added?
Add the peeled and chopped potatoes to the stew about 30 minutes before you plan to serve it.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are approximately 26.875g of protein per serving.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The stew includes carrots, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be prepared entirely in a single large pot.
Does the recipe use any unique flavor enhancers?
Yes, it uses a fresh 2-inch strip of orange peel to add depth to the flavor profile.
What herbs are used in the Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew?
The recipe calls for one imported bay leaf and one teaspoon of dried thyme.
How should the garlic be prepared for this dish?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves that have been crushed.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 31.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size should the beef chunks be cut?
The beef should be cut into chunks measuring approximately 1 to 2 inches.
How many total ingredients are listed in the recipe?
There are 18 specific ingredients used in this recipe.
Should I use olive oil when browning the meat?
You should add a splash of olive oil if necessary to help brown the beef in the rendered bacon fat.
What type of tomato paste is used?
Use one tablespoon of undiluted tomato paste for the stew.
How much red wine is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of red wine.
What do I do with the bacon grease after browning?
Leave the rendered fat in the pot to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables.
Is this recipe categorized under French cuisine?
Yes, it is described as combining classic French cooking styles with a simplified approach.
When do I adjust the salt and pepper seasoning?
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper after the stew has simmered for 3 to 4 hours.
How long should I sauté the carrots and onions?
Sauté the carrots and onions for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly caramelized.