Baeckeoffe Alsacien (Alsatian Meat and Potato Stew)
Why this recipe works
- Slow covered braise: A low oven and tight lid keep the wine-based cooking juices contained, helping the meats turn tender without the top layer drying out.
- Built-in flavour layering: Potatoes, onions, garlic, herbs and mixed meats cook together, so the starches absorb the savoury juices as the stew braises.
- Hearty but simple: The dish relies on everyday ingredients and a long cooking time to create a rich, satisfying stew with very little finishing work.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Most of the time is hands-off: The slicing and layering are the main active steps; the stew then needs a long, steady bake at 160°C (320°F).
- Rest before serving: Keeping the pot covered for a short rest helps the juices settle and makes the potatoes easier to spoon out cleanly.
Ingredient notes
- Use stewing cuts: Pork shoulder and lamb shoulder suit the long braise because they soften gradually and add depth to the cooking liquid.
- Slice potatoes evenly: Even potato slices cook at the same pace and are more likely to become melting rather than patchily firm.
- Choose a dry white wine: A dry wine keeps the stew savoury and balanced, avoiding sweetness in the finished cooking juices.
Common mistakes
- Cutting potatoes too thick: Thick or uneven slices can stay firm while the meat is already tender, so keep them consistently thin.
- Letting the top dry out: Keep the lid on during baking and press the top potatoes gently into the liquid if they look dry.
- Rushing the braise: The stew is ready when the meat is very tender and the potatoes have absorbed much of the liquid; shortening the bake can leave it tough.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for making ahead: The stew can be cooled, refrigerated and reheated gently, and the flavours will continue to settle as it rests.
- Reheat covered: Warm it slowly in a covered pan, adding a little water if the potatoes have absorbed too much liquid.
- Freeze in portions: Cool completely before freezing, then defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot throughout.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Cut the pork and lamb into large bite-size chunks, then slice the bacon into short lengths. Thinly slice the onion, slice the potatoes into 5 mm rounds, and lightly crush the garlic cloves.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the pork, lamb and bacon with the onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, fine sea salt and black pepper. Pour in the dry white wine and mix well so everything is evenly coated.
- Layer half the potatoes in the bottom of a Dutch oven, then add the meat mixture and finish with the remaining potatoes. Pour over all the wine and any juices from the bowl, pressing down gently so the liquid comes up around the potatoes. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Bake for 3 hours, until the meat is very tender and the potatoes are melting and have absorbed much of the cooking liquid. If the top looks dry at any point, press the potatoes down gently so they are moistened by the liquid. Rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.
- Finely chop the parsley. Spoon the stew into warm bowls, making sure each portion gets meat, potatoes and onions, then scatter over the parsley to finish.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and turn properly tender.
- Keep the lid on throughout baking to prevent the wine from reducing too quickly and drying the top layer.
- If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the stew is baked until the meat is fully tender and piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace Dry White Wine with a different dry white wine style for a slightly fruitier or more mineral finish.
- Replace Fresh thyme with a smaller amount of dried thyme for a more concentrated herbal note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a covered pan over a low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, until piping hot. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 4h (35min active)
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Cuisine: French
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