Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Beef Bourguignon is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for chilly days or special occasions. It’s a tender beef stew braised in red wine, seasoned with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs, then finished with crispy mushrooms and pearl onions. The process might take a few hours, but it’s mostly hands-off, leaving you free to enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen while you prepare other parts of the meal. It’s budget-friendly, easy, and perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 pounds of beef chuck, cut into cubes

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1/4 cup flour

• 3 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon beef bouillon

• 2 sprigs thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup pearl onions (fresh or frozen)

• 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven, sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté onions and carrots in butter for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.

4. Add red wine, beef broth, and bouillon. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Add beef, thyme, and bay leaves.

5. Cover and braise in a 350°F oven for 2.5 hours.

6. Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned, then add pearl onions and cook for another 5 minutes.

7. Stir the mushrooms and onions into the stew and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

• Total Time: 4 hours

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour substitute.

• Vegetarian: Omit the beef and use a combination of mushrooms and root vegetables.

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

How can I make Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker?

You can follow the steps up to braising and then transfer everything to a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I use other types of meat for Beef Bourguignon?

Beef chuck is ideal, but brisket or round can also be used for a slightly different texture.

Is it necessary to use Burgundy wine?

Burgundy wine is traditional, but any full-bodied red wine works well in this recipe.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, simmer the stew uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make Beef Bourguignon a day ahead?

Yes, Beef Bourguignon often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

Can I freeze Beef Bourguignon?

Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with Beef Bourguignon?

Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles are perfect accompaniments.

Can I use frozen pearl onions?

Yes, frozen pearl onions work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stew.

How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef should be fork-tender and easily shred when done.

Can I add other vegetables to Beef Bourguignon?

Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or celery for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Classic Beef Bourguignon is the epitome of cozy, indulgent comfort food. While it takes some time, the process is mostly hands-off, and the results are worth every minute. Tender beef, rich wine sauce, and crispy mushrooms make this dish one that will become a family favorite. Perfect for holidays or just a cozy weekend dinner, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: French

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Description

Classic Beef Bourguignon is a rich, comforting, and indulgent French stew made with tender beef cubes braised in a flavorful red wine sauce, seasoned with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and complemented by crispy mushrooms and pearl onions. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly days, special occasions, or family gatherings. Though it takes time to prepare, most of the process is hands-off, making it an ideal recipe to impress your guests with minimal effort. Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Ingredients

3 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 cup flour

3 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon beef bouillon

2 sprigs thyme

2 bay leaves

1 cup pearl onions (fresh or frozen)

1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced

2 tablespoons butter

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• In a large Dutch oven, sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

• In the same pot, sauté onions and carrots in butter for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.

• Add the red wine, beef broth, and bouillon. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Add beef, thyme, and bay leaves.

• Cover and braise in a 350°F oven for 2.5 hours.

• Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned, then add pearl onions and cook for another 5 minutes.

• Stir the mushrooms and onions into the stew and serve.

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Notes

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour substitute for the stew.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef and use a mix of mushrooms and root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.

• Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.