Beef Daube Provençale

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic French stew with braised beef, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread. This french-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 French cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, and sear until the edges are deeply browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per side. Tip: Use tongs to flip the meat and avoid stirring too early — this helps develop a caramelized crust.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp chopped rosemary. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the herbs are aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Tip: Add the herbs after the garlic to prevent burning, as rosemary can become bitter if overcooked.
  3. Step 3: Dice 4 ripe tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Add them to the pot along with 2 cups beef broth (if using) to cover the meat, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Tip: Skim any foam that rises during simmering for a clearer broth, and season with salt and pepper just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef Daube Provençale take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef Daube Provençale?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef Daube Provençale?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef Daube Provençale for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef Daube Provençale?

French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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