Raise a glass to a quintessential French classic: the traditional Beef Daube. This slow-cooked Provençal stew combines melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty red wine and the rustic charm of garlic, rosemary, thyme and bay leaves. Its secret lies in a delightful twist – hints of clove, juniper berry and orange peel infuse the dish with a cozy warmth and depth that’s perfect for winter evenings.
Whether for festive celebrations or leisurely Sundays, it’s a dish that invites you to savor every moment while the stovetop works its magic.
What is a Beef Daube?
Beef Daube is a traditional beef stew hailing from the sun-kissed region of Provence. This classic French dish combines tender cuts of beef with robust red wine, simmered with carrots, onions and an aromatic blend of herbs like bay leaves, thyme and rosemary. The dish is similar in spirit to the more widely known Boeuf Bourguignon, but has a distinctive Provençal flavor profile, with the inclusion of ingredients like herbs, spices and even black olives.
A Beef daube is traditionally cooked in a clay pot called a daubière, which has a unique shape that allows for slow, moist cooking. However, a heavy Dutch oven or any large, lidded pot works well for modern cooking. The slow cooking process allows each ingredient’s flavor to deepen, creating a stew that’s both rustic and refined.
What truly sets Beef Daube apart from other stews is its unique flavor profile, created using orange peels, cloves and juniper berries. They lend an unmistakable earthy warmth and a festive flair.
Traditionally served during festive occasions in Southern France, a Beef Daube brings a taste of Provençal charm to your table, making it a wonderful addition to any cold winter night or holiday meal. If you’re looking to add a touch of French warmth and sophistication to your menu, this dish is one to savor!
Why you’ll love this Beef Daube recipe
- Slow-cooked for maximum flavor and tenderness: The long cooking time and the combination of ingredients produce a complex, rich flavor. The beef becomes tender, almost melting in texture, and the flavors of the wine, herbs and spices meld into a robust and satisfying dish.
- A make-ahead dish that’s perfect for special occasions: this is a tremendous recipe for hosting! With the chopping and marinade done a day ahead, half the work is already complete. The next day, just brown the beef, add the marinade, and let it simmer for 3 hours—leaving you free to prep other dishes or relax before guests arrive.
Ingredients needed for an authentic Beef Daube
An authentic French Beef Daube recipe uses simple ingredients, but yields complex, layered flavors. Here is a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for this stew recipe.
- Stewing beef. Collagen-rich cuts like beef chuck are best. Don’t use a lean cut! Read my recommendations below for which cut to buy.
- Lardons. A traditional daube typically includes “lardons”—small strips of cured pork belly that are widely used and easily found in grocery stores across France. You can make your own by slicing thick-cut bacon across the grain into short, matchstick-sized pieces. Alternatively, thinly sliced pancetta is a good substitute.
- Flour. Once cooked, the beef is sprinkled with some flour which will help build the thickness of the daube sauce.
- Red wine. For the marinade and to build the sauce, a dry and fruity red wine is preferred such as Pinot Noir, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The fuller the body of the wine, the deeper and richer the sauce will be. You shouldn’t necessarily reach for a pricy bottle, but one that is still drinkable – trust me, it will really make a difference. Forget the “cooking wines” from the grocery store!
- Vegetables. Carrots, celery, onions and garlic are the traditional vegetables used in a Beef Daube.
- Spices. Cloves and juniper berries bring warmth and a very unique flavor to this beef stew.
- Herbs. Thyme, rosemary and bay leaves are added for a rich aromatic profile.
- Orange peels. Fresh orange peels add brightness and balance the richness of the stew.
- Tomato paste. A dollop of tomato paste deepens the sauce color and flavors.
- Black olives. Finally, black olives are stirred in close to the end of cooking. They bring delightful bursts of brininess that balances beautifully with the warmth of the spiced, citrus-infused sauce.
What cut of beef to use for a Daube?
Collagen-rich cuts are best since they remain juicy, tender and flavorful after long, slow cooking. Here are my recommendations:
- Beef chuck (readily available, affordable)
- Short rib (reliable, but pricier)
- Fatty brisket
- Outside round (relatively lean)
I suggest avoiding pre-packaged, pre-cut beef, as it’s often too lean and unlikely to become tender when cooked. Instead, visit your butcher or deli counter and ask for a well-marbled piece—one with plenty of white fat streaks running through the meat. You can trim some extra fat after, but not too much: fat helps keep the meat tender.
Slice the beef into 1 ½ to 2-inch chunks – no smaller, as the cubes will shrink slightly as they cook and any smaller and they won’t hold up to the hours of cooking.
How to make Beef Daube: step-by-step instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef chunks with red wine, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, orange peel, spices and herbs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This step infuses the beef with flavor and tenderizes it.
- Cook the lardons (bacon strips): In a heavy pot (like a Dutch oven), cook the lardons until crisp. Reserve.
- Prepare the Daube: Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry. Reserve the marinade and veggies. In the same pot as the previously cooked lardons, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef chunks, searing until browned on all sides.
- Combine and braise: Add the rest of the marinade (wine and vegetables). Stir in the tomato paste and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2h30 to 3 hours until the beef is tender.
- Final touches: Add the black olives and continue cooking for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the lid and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Beef Daube and Beef Bourguignon?
While both are French beef stews, Beef Daube originates from Provence and traditionally includes orange zest, which adds a subtle citrus note. Beef Bourguignon, on the other hand, comes from Burgundy and is typically cooked with Burgundy wine and mushrooms.
What red wine should I use for Beef Daube?
For the marinade and sauce, opt for a dry, fruity red wine. Steer clear of overly sweet varieties, as they can dominate the dish’s flavor. My recommendations include Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The richer the wine’s body, the more depth and intensity it will bring to the sauce. There’s no need to splurge on an expensive bottle, but choose one you’d enjoy drinking—it truly elevates the dish. And forget about those “cooking wines” from the grocery store!
Can I make Beef Daube in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Certainly! A Beef Daube is an ideal dish to prepare in advance, as its flavors deepen beautifully overnight. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating, and gently reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store and reheat Beef Daube?
Beef Daube stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You’ll find that the flavors deepen and improve after a day or two.
Audrey’s tips for the perfect Beef Daube
- Marinate the beef overnight for extra flavor: The red wine marinade is a key step in infusing rich flavors into the beef. If you can, marinate overnight for the best results.
- Make sure you pat the beef dry properly before cooking: When you take the beef out of the marinade to cook it, make sure you thoroughly pat dry each cube with paper towel. This is key to acheive a nice browning of the meat.
- Use quality red wine: While you don’t need an expensive bottle, choose a red wine you enjoy drinking.
- Don’t skip the orange peel: This touch of citrus brings out the other flavors and gives Beef Daube its signature Provençal twist. When peeling the orange, make sure you don’t get the white part (flesh) of the peel – only the outer orange layer. The white flesh gives an unpleasant bitter note that’s best to avoid.
Serving Suggestions
Beef daube is often served with crusty bread, boiled or mashed potatoes, polenta or even a simple green salad to balance the richness of the stew. The large amount of liquid makes a tender braise that can also be served as a sauce for pasta.
I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you have any questions, please leave a comment.
More French Stews and Braises you may like:
- Classic Beef Bourguignon
- Lamb Navarin stew (Navarin d’Agneau)
- Classic French Coq Au Vin Rouge
- French Chicken Marengo
- Flemish Beef & Beer Stew (Carbonnade Flamande)
- Chicken Chasseur (Classic French Hunter’s Chicken)
- French-style Braised Oxtail
- Braised Pork Loin with Prunes
- Beer-Braised Pork Shanks
