Hearty Red Wine Beef Stew

Prepare to savor the most exquisite and comforting Slow Cooked Beef Stew with Red Wine you’ve ever tasted! This isn’t just any stew recipe; it’s a culinary masterpiece, brimming with layers of rich flavors from robust red wine, a hint of Cognac, fragrant herbs, tender beef, and savory bacon. Each spoonful promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more of this unforgettable dish.

This cherished recipe holds a special place in my heart, thanks to a dear friend who unearthed it from my blog’s archives. Upon serving it to her family, they immediately christened it “Lizzy Bourguignon”—a compliment of the highest order that speaks volumes about its irresistible appeal. Given its enduring popularity and heartwarming reception, I felt compelled to re-share this incredible recipe, complete with fresh photos and a wealth of enhanced tips on how to make the best beef stew possible.

Why This Red Wine Beef Stew is a Must-Try

• An Elevated Culinary Experience: Imagine the enticing aroma of a French bistro wafting through your kitchen. This slow-cooked beef stew delivers exactly that, featuring succulent chunks of beef chuck roast, the deep notes of red wine, aromatic shallots and garlic, smoky bacon, sweet carrots, and bright tomatoes. It’s a sophisticated take on a classic, promising a thrilling experience for your palate. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an event, transforming your dining table into a gourmet destination.
• Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl: There’s an undeniable, old-fashioned comfort inherent in beef stew recipes. This dish embodies warmth, nostalgia, and hearty satisfaction, making it the perfect antidote to a chilly evening or a long, demanding day. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy embrace, providing nourishment for both body and soul. Its rich, savory broth and tender ingredients create a truly heartwarming experience that few other dishes can rival.
• Elegant Ingredients for Unparalleled Flavor: While deeply comforting, this version is decidedly more elegant than your typical stew. You’ll discover a few key ingredients that truly push it over the top, including a splash of luxurious Cognac and even a hint of vibrant orange zest. These carefully selected additions provide an extraordinary depth and brightness that elevate the entire dish, making it perfect for impressing family and friends alike. For another slow-cooked masterpiece, don’t miss my ultimate pot roast recipe!
• Effortless Slow-Cooked Perfection: Despite its gourmet profile, this red wine beef stew is surprisingly simple to prepare thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Once the initial browning and layering of flavors are complete, the oven or slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully over several hours. This hands-off approach ensures tender, fall-apart beef and a deeply flavorful sauce with minimal fuss, making it ideal for both weekend gatherings and busy weeknights.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Beef Stew

Crafting an exceptional beef stew begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the complex and satisfying flavor profile of this slow-cooked masterpiece.

• Pantry Staples: Don’t underestimate the foundation provided by Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Dried Basil, Sage, Marjoram, Garlic, Canned Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste. These everyday items are crucial for building the initial flavor base and savory depth of the stew. Their consistent presence ensures a balanced and robust taste.
• Chuck Roast: The undisputed king of stew meats. Always opt for a quality boneless chuck roast. While you can buy it pre-cubed, cutting it yourself ensures uniform pieces and allows you to trim excess fat, contributing to even cooking and ultimate tenderness. Chuck roast is rich in collagen and connective tissue, which breaks down during long, slow cooking, transforming into gelatin and imparting incredible moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s this cut that gives slow-cooked beef stew its signature richness and tenderness.
• Bacon: For an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor, thick-cut bacon is essential. As it renders, it provides delicious fat for browning the beef, and the browned bits themselves add a fantastic textural and flavor component. Its robust taste beautifully complements the richness of the beef and wine.
• Shallots: These delicate members of the onion family offer a milder, sweeter, and more nuanced flavor than common onions. They caramelize beautifully, adding a sophisticated aromatic foundation without overwhelming the other ingredients. Their gentle sweetness enhances the overall complexity of the stew.
• Carrots: Regular, full-sized carrots are preferred. Cut into substantial 2-inch chunks, they hold their shape and texture even after hours of simmering. Avoid baby carrots, as their smaller size means they tend to get mushy and lose their integrity during the extensive cooking time.
• Cognac and Red Wine: These alcoholic additions are not just for drinking; they are paramount for building an incredible depth of flavor. The tannins in red wine contribute to the stew’s richness, while Cognac adds a subtle sweetness and an aromatic complexity that elevates the dish. During the long cooking process, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind only the concentrated, delicious essence, making this stew perfectly safe and suitable for all ages. Store any leftover wine in airtight containers in the freezer for future cooking endeavors.
• Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf Parsley: Fresh herbs are non-negotiable for vibrant flavor. Thyme infuses the stew with an earthy, slightly floral note that is quintessential to classic French cooking. Fresh flat-leaf parsley, added at the end, brightens the dish with a clean, peppery finish, providing a lovely contrast to the rich base.
• Orange Zest: This might seem like an unexpected ingredient, but it’s one of the secret weapons of this recipe. Just a couple of strips of orange zest (easily removed with a vegetable peeler) add a bright, citrusy counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the beef and wine, providing a fresh lift and an intriguing aromatic layer that truly sets this stew apart.

Mastering Your Slow Cooked Beef Stew: Expert Advice

Achieving a truly exceptional beef stew goes beyond just following a recipe; it involves understanding the nuances of the cooking process. Here are some expert tips to ensure your slow-cooked beef stew is perfect every time.

• PRO-Tip: Choose and Cut Your Own Meat. The foundation of a tender, flavorful stew is a high-quality cut of beef. I unequivocally recommend a chuck roast. It boasts excellent marbling (streaks of fat that melt and keep the meat moist) and an abundance of collagen-rich connective tissue. When cooked slowly, this collagen breaks down into gelatin, resulting in incredibly tender, succulent beef. Resist the temptation to buy pre-cut “stew meat” from the grocery store, as it often comprises various, inconsistent cuts that cook unevenly and can result in tough pieces. Instead, purchase a whole chuck roast and take a few minutes to cut it into uniform 1 ½-inch cubes yourself. This allows you to easily remove any undesirable excess fat and ensures that all pieces brown and cook evenly, leading to a consistently tender stew.
• Layering Flavors for Umami Perfection. The secret to an unforgettable beef stew lies in building layers of flavor. Beyond the meat, incorporate potent aromatics such as shallots and garlic, the savory depth of bacon, the sweetness of tomatoes and tomato paste, and a thoughtful blend of fresh and dried herbs. Crucially, don’t forget the red wine and Cognac. Each of these ingredients contributes to the elusive “umami” – the fifth category of taste, alongside sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. Umami is often described as a savory, meaty, and deeply satisfying flavor that makes a dish truly irresistible. By carefully building these layers, you create a complex and harmonious symphony of tastes that elevates your stew far beyond the ordinary.
• PRO-Tip: The Magic of Red Wine and Cognac. These liquid gold additions are absolutely non-negotiable for achieving an unparalleled depth of flavor. The tannins in the red wine add complexity and richness, while the Cognac (or brandy) introduces a subtle sweetness and aromatic warmth that beautifully complements the beef. The alcohol evaporates during the long cooking process, leaving behind only their concentrated essence, which forms the backbone of the stew’s luxurious sauce. These are truly the keys to unlocking the best beef stew recipe in my entire repertoire!
• Seasoning Throughout the Process. Do not wait until the end to season your stew. Salting the beef generously before you brown it is paramount for optimal flavor development. This allows the salt to penetrate the meat, enhancing its natural taste and aiding in the Maillard reaction (the browning process that creates complex flavors). Continue to season lightly as you add other ingredients, tasting along the way. This incremental approach ensures a perfectly balanced and deeply seasoned final dish, far superior to merely adding salt at the very end.
• Choosing Your Cooking Method: Oven vs. Slow Cooker. This beef stew is traditionally cooked in the oven, specifically in a heavy Dutch oven, where it’s stirred every 45 minutes. Oven cooking provides consistent, even heat from all sides, leading to beautifully tender beef and a rich, cohesive sauce.
  • PRO-Tip for a Hands-Off Version (Crockpot Beef Stew): For those seeking a truly effortless approach, transform this into a Crockpot Beef Stew. After completing the initial browning steps on the stovetop, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-5 hours (check for tenderness around 2 ½ hours), or on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooker provides a gentle, consistent heat that breaks down tough cuts of meat beautifully, making it perfect for busy days when you want to set it and forget it.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Beef Stew

A hearty, flavorful beef stew deserves equally satisfying accompaniments. Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal, complementing the rich flavors and adding delightful textures.

• Crusty Bread: Perhaps the most classic pairing! A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the stew’s magnificent, savory sauce. Its texture provides a wonderful contrast to the tender beef and vegetables.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes offer a smooth, comforting base that perfectly cradles the stew. They absorb the rich gravy beautifully, creating a harmonious and incredibly satisfying bite.
• Polenta or Grits: For a slightly different twist, serve your beef stew over creamy polenta or grits. Their subtle corn flavor and velvety texture provide a delightful southern-European inspired foundation that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the stew.
• Egg Noodles: Simple, wide egg noodles are another fantastic option. Their soft, yielding texture and mild flavor make them an excellent vehicle for the stew, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with flavor.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice can also serve as a great absorbent base, allowing the stew’s flavors to shine.
• Green Salad: To cut through the richness of the stew and add a touch of freshness, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect counterpoint. It provides a welcome textural contrast and a refreshing palate cleanser.

Creative Twists: Beef Stew Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is perfection as is, beef stew is wonderfully versatile, allowing for creative variations to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment once you’ve mastered the basic technique.

• Add More Vegetables: Beyond carrots, consider adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra earthy notes. Mushrooms, especially cremini or shiitake, add a fantastic umami punch. If adding potatoes, cut them into larger chunks (similar to the carrots) and add them about 1.5 hours into the cooking process if cooking in the oven, or in the last 2-3 hours in a slow cooker, to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Herb Alternatives: While thyme is classic, rosemary can also be used for a more piney, pungent flavor. A bay leaf or two can also contribute subtle aromatic complexity.
• Different Wine Choices: While a hearty red wine is recommended, don’t be afraid to experiment with other varietals. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir would all work beautifully. For a different flavor profile, you could even explore a dry stout or dark ale for a richer, malty note.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a touch of heat. Smoked paprika can also enhance the smoky notes of the bacon.
• A Touch of Sweetness/Acidity: A small spoon of balsamic vinegar or a hint of brown sugar can balance the flavors, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity that brightens the overall stew.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew

More Delicious Beef Recipes You May Also Like:

• Pressure Cooker Mongolian Beef from Pressure Cooking Today
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms
• Easy Beef Stroganoff with Cognac Cream Sauce
• Hearty Beef Chuck Roast
• Beef Burgundy Pasta
• Easy Pot Roast Perfection
• Red Wine, Soy and Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
• Explore more of the Best Beef Recipes

The Recipe:

Slow Cooked Beef Stew Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
3 hours

Total Time
3 hours 20 minutes

Yield
6 servings

An elegant beef stew recipe that will please the whole family!

Ingredients

• 3-pound boneless beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 slices thick bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8-10 shallots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Cognac
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, about a tablespoon
• 2 hefty sprigs of thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 cups hearty red wine
• 1 14 ½-oz can whole, peeled tomatoes
• 2 strips orange zest, peel 2-inch pieces with a vegetable peeler
• 1-2 pounds thin carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, optional, to garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325º.
2. Heat the oil and bacon together in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring as needed till the bacon is browned, but not crisp. Remove the bacon to a plate.
3. Season the beef with salt and pepper and brown in batches, then remove to plate with the bacon. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pan (add a bit of olive oil if your pan is dry).
4. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook till soft. Add the brandy and cook till it evaporates.
5. Add the tomato paste, garlic, and herbs, stirring to combine, and cook for a minute. Add the wine and bring to a boil.
6. Add the tomatoes and juice and break the tomatoes into chunks with a spatula. Add the orange zest, and return the beef, bacon, and juices to the pot.
7. Finally, add the carrots, bring to a simmer, cover, and place into the oven.
8. Cook the stew, stirring every 45 minutes, until the meat is tender, 2 to 3 hours.
9. Before serving, skim off any fat, taste for salt and pepper, and stir in the parsley if using (I sprinkled it on for garnish).

Notes

!Recipe adapted from Molly Stevens.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 807Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 192mgSodium: 410mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 9gSugar: 13gProtein: 62g

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I understand the plight of designated dishwashers everywhere, including my dear Bill, who might often wish for more one-pot meals like this magnificent slow-cooked beef stew. The sight of a kitchen resembling a tornado’s aftermath after a long day at work is rarely a welcome one! However, if he were to take over the cooking, we might find ourselves heading to bed on an empty stomach. Just ask my eldest son about the infamous “rice incident” – a meal cooked by his dad with little to no seasoning, which resulted in Tom abstaining from rice for years afterward! So, let’s make our dishwashers (and our taste buds) incredibly happy. Treat your loved ones to this scrumptious, elegant, and utterly comforting red wine beef stew. It’s a meal that promises to bring joy and warmth to any table, proving that a little extra effort upfront for a truly layered flavor experience is always worth it.