Name: Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef chuck steak, cut into 2-inch cubes (1350g); 1 tablespoon salt, divided; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 5 ounces bacon, chopped (142g); 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 yellow onion, sliced (295g); 2 carrots, sliced (200g); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups red wine (like Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chianti) (720mL); 2 cups beef stock (480mL); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, divided; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 12 small pearl onions, peeled; 8 ounces fresh white or brown mushrooms, halved or quartered

This classic French dish is a true masterpiece of comfort food. Rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, Beef Bourguignon is the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly evening. Don’t let the fancy name intimidate you – this recipe is surprisingly simple to make and absolutely worth the effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of tender beef, smoky bacon, and robust red wine creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for Entertaining: This dish is impressive enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a cozy night in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors actually improve if made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Ingredients

Beef Chuck: The star of the show, providing rich flavor and becoming fork-tender after slow cooking.
Bacon: Adds a smoky depth to the dish.
Red Wine: Use a good quality wine you’d enjoy drinking – it’s key to the rich sauce.
Pearl Onions: These little gems add sweetness and texture.
Mushrooms: Provide an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
Carrots: Add color and sweetness to balance the rich sauce.
Beef Stock: Forms the base of the sauce along with the wine.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and thyme add brightness and freshness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetable Swap: Try adding parsnips or celery root for a different twist.
Wine Choice: Experiment with different red wines to subtly change the flavor profile.
Meat Alternative: For a lighter version, try using chicken thighs instead of beef.

How to Make Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, allowing them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring a good sear.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. This creates a flavorful base for the entire dish.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Working in batches, sear the beef cubes until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step is key to developing rich flavor.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Cook the onions and carrots in the same pot, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors left behind by the beef and bacon.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Add garlic, tomato paste, and flour to create a thick base for the sauce. Slowly pour in the wine and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Add the beef back to the pot along with herbs and simmer in the oven for about 2 hours until the beef is incredibly tender.

Step 7: Final Touches

Just before serving, sauté mushrooms and pearl onions in butter and add them to the stew for extra flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when searing the beef. A good crust on the meat adds incredible depth to the final dish.
Choose the Right Wine: Use a wine you’d enjoy drinking. A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Merlot works well.
Low and Slow: The long, slow cooking time is what makes the beef so tender and the sauce so rich. Don’t try to rush it!

How to Serve

Beef Bourguignon is traditionally served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A crusty baguette on the side is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce. For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve with time, making this a great make-ahead dish.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth if needed to thin the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

What if I don’t want to use wine?
While wine is traditional in this recipe, you can substitute with additional beef broth and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar for acidity.

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck is ideal for its flavor and how it becomes tender with slow cooking, but you could also use brisket or short ribs.

How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef should be fork-tender, easily breaking apart when pressed with a fork. This usually takes about 2 hours in the oven.

Beef Bourguignon might seem fancy, but it’s really just a beautifully crafted beef stew. Don’t be intimidated by the French name or the list of ingredients – this dish is all about simple, rustic cooking at its finest. The magic happens as it slowly simmers, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this classic has stood the test of time!