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French Beef Bourguignon

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Classic French Beef Bourguignon is a rich and hearty stew featuring tender beef slow-cooked in Burgundy wine with mushrooms, pearl onions, and fresh herbs. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Serve it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles for an unforgettable meal.


Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or brisket), cut into chunks
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup frozen pearl onions
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups Burgundy red wine (or Pinot Noir, Merlot)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • 8 oz brown mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

  • Prepare the Beef: Toss the beef chunks with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  • Sear the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add pearl onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until onions become translucent (about 5 minutes).
  • Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the Burgundy wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Simmer with Herbs: Return the beef to the pot, add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  • Add Mushrooms: In the last 30 minutes, stir in sliced mushrooms and let them cook through.
  • Finish & Serve: Remove bay leaf and thyme stems. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or with crusty French bread.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for potatoes, turnips, and extra mushrooms. Use vegetable broth with a splash of soy sauce.
  • Slow Cooker Method: After searing beef and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Thicker Stew? If too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld overnight.