This Beef Daube recipe made my husband fall in love with me. No kidding. It’s that good. Tender beef simmers in rich beef broth with wine, herbs, and spices until it’s fall-apart tender.
While it’s impressive enough for a romantic dinner for two, it’s also a great family meal. Suitable for stovetop, oven-braising, or the trusty slow-cooker, this hearty French Stew can simmer away while you tend to other things. I made this delicious Beef Daube Recipe for Christmas Eve this year and was so grateful to be able to visit with guests while dinner cooked away untended.
What is Beef Daube?
Beef Daube is a classic French beef stew that originates from the southern Provence region.
It is characterized by slow-cooked beef in red or white wine with spices and flavorful Provençal herbs, and traditionally cooked in a large clay pot, called a “daubiere”. The cooking method was originally used by frugal French folk for turning tough cuts of meat into delectable meals, but works for even more tender, collagen-rich cuts like chuck or short ribs.
This hearty and comforting dish, similar to Beef Bourguignon, is perfect for cold weather. It can simmer away while you cozy up with your favorite people or pastime.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Beef Stew
While it uses many traditional beef stew ingredients, the addition of mustard, cloves, orange, white wine, and Provencal herbs makes this Beef Daube unique.
- 3 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or short ribs), cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 whole cloves
- Peel of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Best Cooking Methods for Beef Daube
- Slowness is the key to making a rich, flavorful Beef Daube. Slow cooking allows time for the meat to become tender and the connective tissues to break down, yielding rich flavorful broth. This also allows all the layers of flavor to meld together.
- Brown the meat. While it may be tempting to skip the step, taking the time to brown the meat will give so much flavor to the stew. I love using my Dutch oven or Instant Pot for this because I can brown the meat and then cook right in the same pot with all the caramelized goodness at the bottom.
- Low heat. Slow and low is the way to go. After browning, use a large Dutch oven, heavy-bottommed pot, slow-cooker, or Instant Pot on low heat for tender meat.
How to Make Beef Daube
- Cut the meat into 1-2″ pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the white wine, beef stock, mustard, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Add the herbs, orange peel, and spices on top of the meat. If desired, wrap them in cheesecloth or a small aluminum herb holder to keep them all intact.
- Cover the pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours on the stove or Instant Pot, 8 hours on low in slow cooker.
- Serve the Beef Daube hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side.
Tips for a Hearty Beef Stew
- Use a combination of beef cuts, such as chuck and short ribs, for a more complex flavor and texture.
- Brown the meat thoroughly before adding the vegetables and liquid for a richer flavor.
- Use a good quality dry white wine and beef stock for added depth of flavor.
- Keep the temperature low for braising to ensure tender beef stew.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Stew
- Serve the Beef Daube with a side of crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, boiled new potatoes, or twice-baked potatoes. This past Christmas Eve, we served the Beef Daube with twice baked potatoes and it was a delicious combination.
- Serve the stew over pasta, such as pappardelle or egg noodles, for a satisfying meal.
- Offer a side salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
- Serve the stew with a side of polenta or grits for a creamy and comforting side dish.
The Benefits of a Beef Stew
- Beef Daube is a comforting and satisfying meal that nourishes and warms you.
- A stew like Beef Daube is a great way to utilize tougher cuts of beef, making it a budget-friendly option.
- The slow-cooked meat is tender and flavorful. Simple enough for a weekday, but special enough for special occasions.
- The stew can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Variations for a Unique Beef Stew
- Use red wine instead of white wine for a deeper and more robust flavor.
- Add other vegetables, such as potatoes, fennel, green olives, or mushrooms, for added flavor and texture.
- Try different herbs and spices, such as tarragon, star anise, or marjoram for a unique flavor profile.
With its tender meat and flavorful sauce, Beef Daube is a hearty and comforting meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, it’s a simple, delicious recipe that’s sure to please!
