Slow Simmered Beef Stew in Red Wine

 

Best Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce (Rich, Cozy & Irresistible)

There’s something magical about a slow-simmered Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and luxuriously rich—an aromatic stew where tender beef melts in your mouth, vegetables soak up every drop of flavor, and the deep wine-infused broth coats everything in a velvety finish.

It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving a warm, hearty bowl on a cold night, this stew never disappoints.

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Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

• ◾️Beef Chuck (2 lbs, cubed) ➡️ Creates fall-apart tenderness thanks to its marbling.
• ◾️Olive Oil (2 tbsp) ➡️ Essential for browning the beef and building deep flavor.
• ◾️Onion (1, chopped) ➡️ Adds natural sweetness and forms the stew’s aromatic base.
• ◾️Garlic (3 cloves, minced) ➡️ Brings bold, savory fragrance to the sauce.
• ◾️Carrots (3, sliced) ➡️ Add color and gentle sweetness that balances the wine.
• ◾️Baby Potatoes (1 lb) ➡️ Help thicken the stew naturally as they cook.
• ◾️Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) ➡️ Gives the sauce body and boosts rich umami.
• ◾️Red Wine (1½ cups) ➡️ The star ingredient—adds acidity, depth, and luxury. Use a dry red like Merlot or Cabernet.
• ◾️Beef Broth (2 cups) ➡️ Balances the wine and keeps the stew smooth.
• ◾️Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp) ➡️ A secret weapon for savory richness and umami depth.
• ◾️Bay Leaf (1) ➡️ Infuses subtle herbal notes.
• ◾️Thyme (1 tsp) ➡️ Complements beef and red wine beautifully.
• ◾️Flour (¼ cup) ➡️ Helps create a thick, silky sauce when used to coat the beef.
• ◾️Salt & Pepper ➡️ For essential seasoning and balance—always taste and adjust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 🔥Step 1: Season the Beef
   Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until lightly coated. Patting the beef dry first helps the flour stick and ensures a proper sear.
2. 🔥Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor
   Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches to achieve a deep crust. 👉 Do not overcrowd the pot—crowding releases moisture and prevents browning.
3. 🔥Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base
   In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste; stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly darkened.
4. 🔥Step 4: Deglaze with Red Wine
   Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the pot bottom—👉 these bits are concentrated flavor.
5. 🔥Step 5: Add Liquids & Herbs
   Return the seared beef and any juices to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. 🔥Step 6: Slow Simmer
   Cover and cook on low heat for 1½–2 hours, or until the beef is nearly fork-tender. Low, steady heat breaks down connective tissue without toughening the meat.
7. 🔥Step 7: Add Vegetables
   Stir in the carrots and baby potatoes. Simmer uncovered for another 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy finish.
8. 🔥Step 8: Finish & Serve
   Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For brightness, optionally add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.

Note: The stew often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld—reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s texture.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

• 🔹️Deep, restaurant-quality flavor thanks to proper searing and slow simmering.
• 🔹️One-pot convenience with minimal cleanup.
• 🔹️Tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
• 🔹️Elegant enough for dinner guests, cozy enough for weeknights.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• ✅️Use a dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet)—no sweet wines.
• ✅️Sear the beef properly—take your time for that deep brown crust.
• ✅️Simmer low and slow—gentle heat yields tender meat.
• ✅️Evenly cut vegetables so they finish at the same time.
• ✅️Add a small splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for brightness and depth.

Serving Suggestions

• 👉Serve with crusty artisan bread to soak up the sauce.
• 👉Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
• 👉Pour a glass of the same red wine used in the stew—perfect pairing.
• 👉For an elegant touch, serve over soft polenta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

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Conclusion

Rich, warming, and deeply flavorful, this Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers exceptional depth and elegance with every bite.

With its luxurious sauce, tender beef, and perfect blend of herbs and aromatics, this is the recipe designed to outshine the competition—a guaranteed favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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