This Classic French Beef Bourguignon is a hearty stew made with tender beef, rich red wine, and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!
Every spoonful is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum! 🍞❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for slow cooking because it’s tough yet flavorful. If you can’t find chuck, you can use brisket or even short ribs, but adjust cooking times as needed for tenderness.
Bacon: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option or a vegetarian one, you can omit it, but consider adding a splash of liquid smoke for depth.
Red Wine: Burgundy is traditional, but any dry red wine will work. If you want to skip wine entirely, use extra beef broth and a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Veggies: Pearl onions and button mushrooms are staples in this dish. You can substitute with regular onions, shallots, or other mushrooms like cremini or shiitake.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme is key for flavor, but dried thyme is a convenient substitute. Use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve Tender, Juicy Beef?
The key to tender beef is all about cooking it low and slow. This allows the connective tissues to break down without drying out the meat. Here’s how:
- Start by patting the beef dry and seasoning it well. This helps with browning and flavor.
- Don’t rush the browning step; this builds flavor. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Once it’s in the oven, keep it covered to trap moisture. You can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes if you want to thicken the sauce a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
Thickening the sauce enhances the whole dish. Here are a couple of methods you can use:
- Using flour: In Step 5, cooking the flour with the vegetables helps thicken. Make sure to cook it for a bit to remove the raw taste.
- Reducing the sauce: If you want to thicken it without adding flour, you can remove the lid for the last half hour of cooking. This will concentrate the flavors and the sauce will naturally thicken.
Enjoy making this delicious Beef Bourguignon! It’s an impressive dish that’s always a hit.
Classic French Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups red Burgundy wine (or dry red wine)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 20 pearl onions, peeled
- 10 oz button mushrooms, halved or whole if small
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes or crusty bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beef Bourguignon takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time, making a total of around 3 hours until you’re ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy evening at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Beef:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Browning the Meat:
In a heavy Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown them well on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Bacon:
Add the diced bacon to the pot and cook until it’s nice and crispy. This will take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the crispy bacon and set it aside with the beef.
4. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Adding Flavor and Thickening:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Then sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
6. Building the Sauce:
Slowly pour in the red wine while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. This adds an amazing depth of flavor! Then add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, the browned beef, and bacon back into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
7. Roasting in the Oven:
Cover the pot and carefully place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is tender and easily falls apart.
8. Cooking the Additional Vegetables:
While the beef is cooking, prepare the pearl onions. Blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and peel if needed. In a separate skillet, heat the last tablespoon of olive oil, then add the button mushrooms and carrots. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes until they’re nicely browned and slightly soft.
9. Combining It All:
About 30 minutes before the beef is done, gently add the pearl onions, carrots, and mushrooms to the pot. Stir everything together and cook until heated through.
10. Finishing Touches:
When the dish is ready, carefully remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the Beef Bourguignon hot over creamy mashed potatoes or serve alongside crusty French bread. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that final touch!
Enjoy this comforting, deeply flavorful classic French stew that’s rich, aromatic, and perfect for slow winter evenings!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can substitute with brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, this Beef Bourguignon actually gets better with time! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving, and it allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
What Should I Serve with Beef Bourguignon?
This dish is often served over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty French bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. You could also pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.