Beef Bourguignon

When it comes to classic French comfort food, few dishes are as iconic and beloved as Beef Bourguignon. This slow-cooked stew is the perfect combination of tender beef, earthy vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Inspired by the Burgundy region of France, this dish has become a staple in French cuisine and is often enjoyed on special occasions or when you’re craving a meal that’s both indulgent and comforting.

What makes Beef Bourguignon truly exceptional is the way it brings together meaty flavors and the depth of wine, creating a sauce that’s truly irresistible. The beef is seared to a perfect brown, braised in red wine, and simmered with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs. It’s the ideal dish for a cozy dinner with family or an elegant gathering. The best part? With just a little patience, you’ll have a tender and flavorful stew that is worth every minute of slow cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich & Flavorful – A deep, hearty sauce made from red wine, broth, and a blend of herbs and spices, creating a stew that’s full of flavor.
✔ Tender Meat – The slow braising process ensures that the beef becomes fork-tender and full of flavor.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday dinner, or a date night, Beef Bourguignon is sure to impress.
✔ Easy to Make – While it may seem like a sophisticated dish, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare with the right ingredients and a little time.
✔ Great Leftovers – The flavors continue to develop after a day or two, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Beef Bourguignon:

1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced (about 150g)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
2 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon butter
300g (10 oz) small white onions, peeled (or pearl onions)
150g (5 oz) carrots, sliced
200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or button mushrooms)
150g (5 oz) bacon, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown each piece on all sides, which will take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce later.
Add the tomato paste, stirring to combine, and cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize the paste.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring the wine to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to reduce it slightly.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasoning

Add the beef broth, along with the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Return the beef to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally, and add more broth or wine if necessary to keep the beef mostly covered.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

While the beef is braising, in a separate pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
Add the small onions and carrots to the bacon fat. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned. Set the vegetables aside.

Step 6: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the mushrooms until browned, about 5 minutes. Set them aside as well.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Once the beef is tender, add the sautéed vegetables (bacon, onions, carrots, and mushrooms) back into the pot with the beef. Stir gently to combine.
Continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Remove the bay leaves and discard.
Garnish the Beef Bourguignon with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot, with buttered mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Beef Bourguignon

✅ Choose the Right Cut of Meat – Use beef chuck or another well-marbled, tough cut of meat. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, making them perfect for this recipe.

✅ Wine Selection – A good red wine is essential to this dish. Opt for a Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or any dry red wine you enjoy drinking.

✅ Make Ahead – Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day! The flavors continue to develop, so it’s a great dish to make ahead. Just reheat before serving.

✅ Customize the Vegetables – Feel free to add or swap out vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Pearl onions, parsnips, or even celery are great additions.

✅ Serve with Starches – This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a chunky French baguette to soak up the rich sauce.

What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon

🥔 Mashed Potatoes – The creamy potatoes make the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that rich sauce.
🍝 Egg Noodles – Tender, buttered noodles are another perfect pairing for this flavorful stew.
🍞 Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the sauce and savoring every last drop.
🥗 Green Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the rich beef.

Final Thoughts

Beef Bourguignon is a timeless French dish that embodies the essence of classic comfort food. The long, slow cooking process may take time, but the end result is a sophisticated, yet rustic meal that will impress guests and satisfy your cravings. The tender beef, the savory wine-based sauce, and the richness of the vegetables and bacon make this dish one you’ll want to enjoy on repeat.