Description
A simplified, classic French stew featuring tender braised beef, savory cured meat alternative, mushrooms, and vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
4 slices savory cured meat alternative, diced
2 pounds top sirloin steak, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ cups robust dark flavorful liquid
1 ½ cups beef stock
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms
1 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Heat Dutch oven over medium-high heat; cook diced cured meat alternative until browned and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and reserve fat.
- Season steak with salt and pepper; brown in batches, about 6-8 minutes each. Set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium; sauté onion and carrots until tender, 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic, cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
- Add dark flavorful liquid, scrape browned bits.
- Stir in beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Return steak to pot; bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered 30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- In a skillet, melt butter; sauté mushrooms and pearl onions 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, cook 1 minute; season.
- Remove thyme and bay leaves from stew. Stir in mushroom mixture, cured meat alternative, and parsley; warm 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Notes
Use chuck roast or beef stew meat for more tender beef.
Fresh pearl onions can replace frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Try shiitake or button mushrooms for variation.
Add balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Stew, Main Dish
- Method: Braising, Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450-550 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 5-7 g
- Sodium: Approx. 600-900 mg
- Fat: Approx. 25-30 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10-12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 12-15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15-20 g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-4 g
- Protein: Approx. 40-45 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 120-150 mg
