Snack On Meat

You are here: Home / All RECIPES / Cozy Red Wine Beef Stew

Cozy Red Wine Beef Stew

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
Servings: 8–10

Nothing beats a hearty beef stew for cozy nights at home. This recipe brings together tender, fork-ready beef, rich red wine, and melt-in-your-mouth vegetables for a stew that’s deeply flavorful and satisfying. Mushy carrots? Check. Savory mushrooms? Check. A hint of bacon fat for richness? Absolutely. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.

This recipe was created in the FeedfeedBrooklyn Test Kitchen and is sponsored by GE Profile Smart Appliances, featuring their Smart Induction Cooktop for even, precise cooking.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the stew:

  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 lb carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 lb cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with butcher’s twine

For thickening:

  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp water

Instructions

Step 1 – Render bacon & sear beef

  1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until golden brown and fat is rendered, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Season beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef in the rendered bacon fat until browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes per batch. Transfer beef to the plate with bacon.

Step 2 – Sauté onions & deglaze

  1. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 4–5 minutes.
  2. Pour in the red wine and stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook until slightly reduced, 2–3 minutes.

Step 3 – Simmer the stew

  1. Return the seared beef and bacon to the pot. Add beef stock, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and thyme.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the beef is tender, about 2 hours.

Step 4 – Thicken & finish

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the stew and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.

Tips for the Best Stew:

  • Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a nice golden crust.
  • Let the stew simmer low and slow—the vegetables absorb the rich flavors, and the beef becomes tender.
  • For extra flavor, reduce the red wine slightly before adding the stock.
  • This stew can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen beautifully when reheated.