French Beef Daube with Red Wine and Orange
Rich French stew with beef, red wine, and orange, braised with carrots and herbs. This french-inspired beef ready in about 130 minutes pairs beef chuck, red wine, orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.
Ingredients
- 600g beef chuck
- 500ml red wine
- 2 orange
- 2 carrots
- 1 tbsp thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat, add 600g beef chuck in a single layer, and sear until browned on all sides (about 10–15 minutes), turning occasionally. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
- Step 2: Add 500ml red wine, 2 tbsp grated zest from 2 oranges, and 1/2-inch diced carrots (from 2 carrots) to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the liquid is reduced by half. Tip: Use a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp dried thyme, and continue simmering for 10 minutes, until the aroma is fully released and the sauce thickens slightly. Tip: Add thyme near the end to preserve its fragrance.
- Step 4: Serve the daube hot, accompanied by crusty bread, and garnish with additional grated orange zest if desired. Tip: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does French Beef Daube with Red Wine and Orange take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 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 French Beef Daube with Red Wine and Orange?
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 French Beef Daube with Red Wine and Orange?
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 French Beef Daube with Red Wine and Orange 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 French Beef Daube with Red Wine and Orange?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I used a different cut of beef, but the result was still amazing!
- ★★★★★
The red wine and orange combination was a revelation.
- ★★★★★
The flavors were rich and complex. A true French comfort dish!
