Red Wine-Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme

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

Hearty beef chunks slowly braised in red wine with earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme for a deep, savory stew. This french-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck, cubed, tablespoons olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 2 pounds beef chuck cubes with 1.5 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 2 sliced medium carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 8 ounces halved cremini mushrooms, sauté for 4 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and edges brown.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 2 cups dry red wine and scrape browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 10 minutes until reduced by half.
  7. Step 7: Return beef to pot, add 2 cups beef broth, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  8. Step 8: Cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  9. Step 9: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Red Wine-Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme 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 Red Wine-Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme?

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 pounds beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Red Wine-Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme?

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 Red Wine-Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme 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 Red Wine-Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme?

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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