Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Beef Bourguignon, also known as Boeuf à la Bourguignonne, is a French classic that combines tender beef, rich red wine, aromatic herbs, and vegetables simmered slowly to perfection. Originating in the Burgundy region of France, this hearty stew transforms humble ingredients into an elegant dish layered with deep flavor. Perfect for special dinners or cozy weekends, Beef Bourguignon is the ultimate comfort meal for those who love slow-cooked perfection.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck, cut into large cubes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
  • 2 bay leavesbeef bourguignon, French cuisine, beef stew, red wine beef, Julia Child recipe, slow-cooked beef, comfort food, classic French dish, Burgundy recipe, beef and wine, hearty dinner, elegant meal, gourmet comfort, braised beef, rustic stew, traditional French cooking, beef recipes, holiday dinner, special occasion meal, fine dining at home, home cooking, stew recipes, savory meals, winter comfort food, Sunday dinner, flavorful beef, tender meat, rich sauce, wine braised, traditional cuisine, slow cooker recipe, homemade beef stew, authentic recipe, French dinner, beef and vegetables, cooking tips, culinary classic, comfort meal, slow cooking, cozy recipes, family dinner, chef-inspired recipe, authentic French food, beef in wine sauce, rich stew, traditional bourguignon, timeless recipe, gourmet home cooking
  • ½ pound pearl onions, peeled
  • ½ pound mushrooms, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time:

3 hours

Servings:

6

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the beef
Pat the beef dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Brown the bacon and beef
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the beef cubes in small batches to the bacon fat, browning each side for about 3–4 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan—browning builds flavor. Transfer browned beef to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
In the same pot, add diced onion and carrot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the base
Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, tossing to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste—it will help thicken the sauce later.

Step 5: Add liquids and seasonings
Slowly pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits (fond). Add beef stock, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook gently for 2 to 2½ hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 6: Cook mushrooms and pearl onions
While the beef simmers, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pearl onions and mushrooms, sautéing until golden brown and tender (about 10 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside until the stew is nearly done.

Step 7: Combine and finish
When the beef is tender, remove the lid and stir in the sautéed onions and mushrooms. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Serve and garnish
Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving. Spoon the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Bourguignon pairs wonderfully with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Buttered egg noodlesbeef bourguignon, French cuisine, beef stew, red wine beef, Julia Child recipe, slow-cooked beef, comfort food, classic French dish, Burgundy recipe, beef and wine, hearty dinner, elegant meal, gourmet comfort, braised beef, rustic stew, traditional French cooking, beef recipes, holiday dinner, special occasion meal, fine dining at home, home cooking, stew recipes, savory meals, winter comfort food, Sunday dinner, flavorful beef, tender meat, rich sauce, wine braised, traditional cuisine, slow cooker recipe, homemade beef stew, authentic recipe, French dinner, beef and vegetables, cooking tips, culinary classic, comfort meal, slow cooking, cozy recipes, family dinner, chef-inspired recipe, authentic French food, beef in wine sauce, rich stew, traditional bourguignon, timeless recipe, gourmet home cooking
  • Crusty French bread
  • Polenta or rice

Add a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe for the full French bistro experience.

Tips for Perfect Beef Bourguignon

  • Choose the right cut: Beef chuck, brisket, or short ribs hold up best to long cooking and become tender without falling apart.
  • Use good wine: Since the wine forms the backbone of the sauce, use one you’d actually enjoy drinking.
  • Low and slow: Gentle simmering allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Make ahead: Like many stews, Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
  • Degrease if needed: Before serving, skim any excess fat from the surface for a smoother finish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~520
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: 760 mg

(Be aware that nutrition varies based on the type of wine and stock used.)

History of the Dish

Beef Bourguignon originated as a peasant dish in the Burgundy region of France, where wine and beef were plentiful. Over time, chefs refined it into a gourmet staple. French culinary legend Julia Child popularized it worldwide, showcasing it as one of the finest examples of transforming simple ingredients through technique and patience.

This dish epitomizes French cooking philosophy—using slow heat, careful layering, and good-quality ingredients to extract the fullest flavor. It’s both rustic and refined, making it suitable for family dinners or elegant gatherings.

Storing and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat until hot, adding a splash of stock if the sauce thickens too much.

A Timeless Classic

Beef Bourguignon isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. The rich aroma fills your kitchen as the beef tenderizes in its luxurious red wine sauce, rewarding patience with depth and complexity. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this classic French stew turns a simple meal into something extraordinary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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