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Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty French classic beef bourguignon beckons with rich, wine-braised depths of tender meat and robust flavors. Succulent beef, slowly simmered in Burgundy wine, delivers a luxurious dining experience that connects you to timeless French culinary tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
  • 12 pearl onions, peeled

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Generously coat beef cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear beef pieces in small batches, creating a deep golden-brown crust on all sides. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
  4. Render bacon in the same pot until crisp and golden, releasing its rich, smoky flavor.
  5. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the bacon fat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
  6. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring to caramelize and intensify its flavor profile.
  7. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and allow to simmer and reduce by one-third.
  8. Return browned beef to the pot, then pour in beef stock and add bay leaf and fresh thyme sprigs.
  9. Cover and slow-cook at 325°F for 1.5-2 hours, until meat becomes exceptionally tender and can be easily pulled apart.
  10. Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms and pearl onions in butter until golden and caramelized.
  11. Gently fold sautéed mushrooms and onions into the stew during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
  12. Create a smooth flour slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring until the stew reaches a rich, glossy consistency.
  13. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving piping hot over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside crusty artisan bread.

Notes

  • Choose chuck roast or beef chuck for maximum tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
  • Pat beef completely dry before browning to ensure perfect caramelization and develop deep, complex flavors.
  • Use a robust, full-bodied red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir to enhance the traditional French flavor profile.
  • Consider making this dish a day ahead, as flavors intensify and become more complex when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg