13 Classic French Stews (+ Easy Recipes)

Let’s talk about French stews, or “pot-au-feu” and “boeuf à la mode,” as the locals call them.

These hearty dishes are the ultimate comfort food. 

They’re perfect for a cold and rainy day when all you want is a warm hug in a bowl.

I mean, they’re slow-cooked meats and veggies in a rich, savory broth? Need I say more? 

And let’s not forget about the wine!

French stews are often cooked with red wine, which adds to the rich and complex flavors of the dish. 

So, grab a glass of your favorite red, and let’s dive into the world of French stews.

1.  Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes

Craving comfort food? This classic French beef stew is the answer!

It’s the ultimate winter warmer, with tender meat in a rich wine sauce. 

Just sear the beef, and braise it with garlic and onions, then let it simmer in the oven.

The longer it sits, the better the flavor. 

Pair it with a glass of red wine and enjoy!

2. Ratatouille

If you’re looking for a real stunner, you need to meet ratatouille.

It’s a French vegetable stew that packs a punch! 

The key? Sautéing each veggie separately before braising together. Trust me, it makes all the difference. 

It’s a humble dish but when made well, it’s a Mediterranean flavor explosion.

Don’t settle for meh ratatouille, make it amazing!

3. Chicken Fricassee

This chicken fricassee is a traditional French dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

It’s like a white sauce version of coq au vin, but faster to make. 

The key is in the creamy white mushroom sauce. It’s a rustic family-style meal that’s sure to please. 

Pronounced “fri-ka-say,” this dish is best with skin-on, bone-in chicken pieces. Give it a try! 

4. Lamb Stew

If you’re in the mood for something seriously hearty try La Madeleine lamb stew, a French classic that’s sure to please. 

Tender lamb, juicy tomatoes, and veggies in a savory broth, it’s the perfect comfort food.

This recipe comes straight from the kitchen of La Madeleine, and now you can make it at home! 

Plus, it’s easy to prepare, just cook the lamb, add the veggies, and let the flavors meld. Yum!

5. Slow-Cooked Red Wine Beef Stew

Get ready for a serious flavor explosion with this rich and delicious French beef stew.

Made with red wine and veggies, it’s cooked low and slow in a Dutch oven for the ultimate tenderness. 

The prep work is minimal, just toss everything in and let it cook.

It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday or when you need hands-free time. 

The flavors meld for days, so you’ll have tasty leftovers all week.

Serve it with egg noodles or crusty bread and a salad. A Dutch oven is the best slow cooker for this dish!

6. French Chicken Stew

Looking for a tasty weekend treat? Try my French chicken stew recipe!

It’s perfect for nights when you’re craving something comforting. 

Just pick up the ingredients on the way home from work, and cook it up the next morning.

It’ll last all weekend long! Serve it with a green salad and bread, or even over rice.

And don’t worry about leftovers, just freeze the sauce for later! It’s great as a dip for fried zucchini, too.

7. Basque Lamb Stew

Take a culinary journey to the Basque country with this wonderful lamb stew!

Basque cuisine is known for its delicious lamb stews. One bite of this dish and you’ll see why.

They’re packed with delicious flavors, like tomatoes and sweet red peppers.

The lamb is marinated in herbs and white wine before being braised in stock and red wine. 

Trust me, it’s a unique twist that you won’t find in your typical Irish lamb stew.

So, go ahead, give it a try and let your tastebuds travel to Basque country.

8. Creamy French Chicken Stew

Craving something comforting? Try this creamy French chicken stew recipe! It’s a twist on a classic blanquette. 

It’s made with yummy ingredients like chicken breasts, carrots, mushrooms, celery, onion, and a creamy sauce.

But don’t worry, it’s not as indulgent as it sounds. 

Blanquette is a dish often found on French bistro menus and it’s a must-know recipe for any home cook.

This version is slightly simpler, with no need to make a roux, but still delicious. Yum!

9. Provencal Beef Stew

The next time you’re feeling a little chilly, whip up this Provencal beef stew recipe!

This French classic comes from the Provencal region of France, known for its rich, delicious stews. 

It‘s made with red wine, onions, carrots, beef, mushrooms, and a flour and butter thickener called beurre mannie.

This stew is simmered on the stovetop for hours until it’s perfectly tender and flavorful. 

It’s the perfect meal to make on a lazy weekend, and you’ll have leftovers for the week.

Serve it over cooked noodles or dip crusty French bread into it for the ultimate experience.

10. Cassoulet – French Classic Pork and Sausage Stew

Cassoulet, a traditional French pork stew, is the perfect dish to warm you up on the coldest of winter days. 

This rustic stew is made with a blend of aromatic and savory spices, giving it a unique and intense flavor.

The key to a perfect cassoulet is slow cooking. 

This tenderizes the meats and infuses the stew with a rich flavor.

The aroma of thyme and allspice will fill your house and have your mouth watering for hours. Give it a try!

11. Chicken Basquaise

Looking for a cozy, one-pot meal? Look no further than chicken Basquaise!

This French dish hails from the Basque region and features braised chicken thighs in a flavorful piperade sauce.

It’s perfect for chilly winter nights, but also light enough for summer.

Add some crispy potatoes or a salad for a complete meal.

Bonus: it’s traditionally made with piment d’espelette (a mild chili powder) but can also be made with smoked paprika.

12. Beef Daube

Craving a hearty, comforting stew? Try daube, a classic Provencal dish made by braising meat in wine and spices.

It’s perfect for using tougher, cheaper cuts of meat. 

Plus, it’s a dish that has humble beginnings. It was originally made by farmers and peasants.

You can use a clay pot, called a “daubiere”, made in Provence or a heavy Dutch oven.

For best results use beef chuck stew meat, short ribs, or beef shanks (just be sure to buy a little extra for the weight of the bone). Enjoy!

13. Pot Au Feu

Looking for a hearty, comforting stew that’s easy to make? Try pot au feu, a traditional French beef and vegetable stew. 

This one-pot recipe is perfect for a cast iron Dutch oven.

The long cooking time results in a delicious bone broth you can’t help but enjoy as well. 

Serve it with cornichons and coarse salt for the ultimate French experience. Bon appetit!