Rustic French Beef & Mushroom Stew
(Ragoût Rustique de Boeuf Français et Champignons)
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a slow-simmered French beef stew to bring comfort and depth to your table. Known in France as a ragoût rustique, this hearty dish features tender chunks of beef, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a savory broth enriched with wine, garlic, and herbs. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations—and your kitchen will smell like a cozy French farmhouse as it cooks.
Why I Love This Recipe
✅ Deep, savory flavor from browning and slow simmering
✅ Classic ingredients that feel luxurious but simple
✅ Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day
✅ A one-pot wonder with minimal cleanup
✅ Cozy, crowd-pleasing and perfect for pairing with crusty bread or mashed potatoes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb mushrooms, quartered
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, parsley tied together or wrapped in cheesecloth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Bacon and Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, searing each piece well. Set aside with the bacon.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables and deglaze the pot.
3️⃣ Build the Stew Base
- Stir in the tomato paste, then return the beef and bacon to the pot.
- Add the bouquet garni and pour in beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Sauté and Add the Mushrooms
- In a separate pan, heat a bit of olive oil. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes).
- Add cooked mushrooms to the stew during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
💡 Tips for Success
- Brown in batches: Don’t crowd the pan—searing develops flavor.
- Flour trick: Coating veggies in flour before adding broth helps naturally thicken the stew.
- Add wine (optional): Deglaze with ½ cup dry red wine before adding broth for richer depth.
- Make ahead: The flavor improves on day two—perfect for next-day leftovers.
- No bouquet garni? Use ½ tsp each of dried thyme, parsley, and a bay leaf instead.
🍽️ What to Serve With This Stew
This rustic stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or creamy sides, plus a few extras for a rounded meal:
- Beer Cheese Dip – perfect appetizer while your stew simmers
- Easy Turkey Wings – a hearty protein-packed sidekick
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – cozy, spiced dessert to follow
- Blueberry Lemonade – adds citrus brightness to balance the richness
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – sweet finish for rustic comfort food
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or microwave in 90-second intervals.
More Cozy Recipes to Try
Final Thoughts
This Rustic French Beef and Mushroom Stew is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for a week of cozy lunches, it’s a timeless recipe that never disappoints. Don’t forget the bread—because that gravy deserves to be soaked up properly.
Tried it? Tag ChefManiac and share your ragoût results with us!
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