Beef Bourguignon Recipe: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort

beef bourguignon recipe

By:

Julia marin

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic French dish like beef bourguignon. This rich, hearty stew is the epitome of cozy, slow-cooked goodness. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered in a robust red wine sauce, bursting with flavors from aromatic herbs and perfectly cooked vegetables. What makes my beef bourguignon recipe truly special is that it’s not just about the ingredients; it’s the love and patience poured into each step. You’ll savor the deep, complex flavors that develop over hours of braising, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a comforting family dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients List

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes – this cut is perfect for braising and becomes incredibly tender.
  • 1 bottle red wine (preferably Burgundy) – the wine is key for that deep, rich flavor!
  • 2 cups beef broth – adds depth and moisture to the stew.
  • 4 ounces bacon, diced – crispy bacon brings a smoky richness to the dish.
  • 1 onion, chopped – for a slightly sweet and savory base.
  • 2 carrots, sliced – they add a lovely sweetness and color.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – a must for that aromatic punch!
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste – helps to round out the flavor profile.
  • 1 tablespoon flour – to thicken the sauce just right.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme – fresh or dried, it’s a classic herb for this dish.
  • 2 bay leaves – gives that subtle depth to the stew.
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered – they add umami and a nice texture.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – always season to your preference!

How to Prepare the Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Now, let’s dive into making this fabulous beef bourguignon! It’s really all about taking your time and savoring the process. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large Dutch oven, cook your diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but don’t clean that pot just yet — we want all that delicious fat to brown the beef! Next, in the same pot, add your beef cubes in batches, browning them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely seared. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it!

Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside too. Now toss in the chopped onions and sliced carrots, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and flour, cooking for another minute to get that raw flour taste out. Then, add the beef and bacon back into the pot, followed by the bottle of red wine and beef broth. Sprinkle in the thyme and bay leaves, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and transfer it to your preheated oven, letting it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow braising is where the magic happens! About 30 minutes before it’s done, add in those quartered mushrooms. Trust me, they make a world of difference! Once it’s all done, remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaves before serving. You’re going to love the rich aroma that fills your kitchen!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large Dutch oven, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, brown beef cubes in the bacon fat, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add chopped onions and sliced carrots to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and flour, cooking for 1 minute.
  6. Add beef and bacon back to the pot, pour in wine and beef broth.
  7. Sprinkle in thyme and bay leaves, then bring to a simmer.
  8. Cover and transfer to the oven, cooking for 2.5 to 3 hours.
  9. In the last 30 minutes, add quartered mushrooms.
  10. Remove from oven, discard bay leaves, and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredible depth of flavor from the slow-cooked beef and rich red wine.
  • Simple, straightforward steps make it easy for anyone to master.
  • Perfect for gatherings; it’s a dish that impresses without a ton of fuss.
  • Comforting and hearty, ideal for cozy family dinners.
  • The aroma fills your kitchen, making it a feast for the senses!

Tips for Success

To really elevate your beef bourguignon, consider marinating the beef in the red wine overnight. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. When it comes to seasoning, be sure to taste as you go—adjust the salt and pepper levels to your liking. Remember, every palate is different! If you find the stew a bit too thick, add a splash more beef broth or wine to reach your desired consistency. And don’t rush the cooking time—allow those flavors to meld beautifully during the lengthy braise for the best results. Enjoy the process!

Nutritional Information

When diving into this delicious beef bourguignon, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data per serving: about 550 calories, with 25 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also get a hearty 45 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates, along with 5 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a solid idea of what to expect. Enjoy every savory bite!

FAQ Section

Can I prepare beef bourguignon in advance? Absolutely! In fact, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be ready for a quick reheat when you are!

What if I don’t have Burgundy wine? No worries! Any good quality red wine will do. Just avoid anything too sweet. Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can work in a pinch and still give you that rich flavor.

Can I substitute the beef? While chuck is ideal for this beef bourguignon recipe, you could use brisket or even a mix of beef cuts. Just ensure whatever you choose is suitable for slow cooking!

How do I store leftovers? Keep your leftover beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store your leftover beef bourguignon, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that delicious flavor and texture. Enjoy!

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beef bourguignon recipe

Beef Bourguignon Recipe: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A classic French beef stew cooked in red wine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 bottle red wine (preferably Burgundy)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 4 ounces bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, brown beef cubes in bacon fat. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add onions and carrots to the pot, cook until softened.
  5. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and flour. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add beef and bacon back to the pot, pour in wine and beef broth.
  7. Add thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  8. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours.
  9. In the last 30 minutes, add mushrooms.
  10. Remove from oven and discard bay leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
  • You can marinate the beef in wine overnight for more flavor.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: beef bourguignon recipe, French beef stew, classic beef stew

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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