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Pot-au-Feu

France's iconic boiled beef dinner with tender vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Humble yet elegant, this one-pot classic is comfort food at its finest.

155 minMediumServes 6320 cal/serving

FrenchDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 1 lb beef marrow bones (optional)
  • 6 medium carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into thirds
  • 1 lb parsnips, cut into chunks
  • 2 leeks leeks (white and light green parts), halved lengthwise
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 8 black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 12 cups water

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, place 3 lbs cut into chunks beef chuck roast and 1 lb beef marrow bones (optional). Add 12 cups water and bring to a boil. Skim any foam from the surface.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to low and add 1 yellow onion, 8 black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, and 4 fresh thyme sprigs. Simmer gently for 1 hour.

  3. 3

    Add 6 medium cut into chunks carrots, 2 cut into thirds celery stalks, 1 lb cut into chunks parsnips, and 2 leeks halved lengthwise leeks (white and light green parts). Add 2 tsp kosher salt. Simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until vegetables are tender and beef is very soft.

  4. 4

    Transfer beef chuck roast and vegetables to a serving bowl. Strain the broth and pour over. Serve hot with crusty bread and Dijon mustard on the side.

Questions

How long does Pot-au-Feu keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Pot-au-Feu?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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