Name: Beef Bourguignon Recipe: Rich and Hearty
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 200 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1.5-inch cubes); 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 oz bacon (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 carrots (sliced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 cups red wine; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8 oz cremini mushrooms (quartered); 1 cup pearl onions (peeled); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Optional: Fresh parsley (thyme sprigs); Suggested Pairings: Red wine (mashed potatoes)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Beef Bourguignon is a rich, hearty French stew, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy gatherings. This classic recipe, featuring tender beef braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and aromatic herbs, delivers deep, savory flavors with a velvety sauce. Presented in a white ceramic Dutch oven or deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, this Beef Bourguignon recipe offers a rustic, elegant aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a straightforward stovetop and oven method with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warm, comforting charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Beef Bourguignon:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
4 oz bacon, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups red wine (e.g., Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
1 cup pearl onions, peeled (or frozen, thawed)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh parsley, thyme sprigs
Suggested Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, crusty bread
Suggested Pairings: Red wine, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic Dutch oven or deep bowls
Suggested Equipment: Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven and Prep Beef: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Cook Bacon and Sear Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy (5–7 minutes); remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In batches, sear beef cubes in the bacon fat until browned on all sides (3–4 minutes per side). Remove the beef and set it aside with the bacon.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Sauté onion and carrots for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and reserved bacon and beef. Bring to a simmer. If using flour, mix it with butter to form a paste and stir it into the stew for a thicker sauce.
Braise in Oven: Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2–2.5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
Add Mushrooms and Onions: Remove the pot from the oven. Stir in mushrooms and pearl onions. Simmer on the stovetop over low heat for 15–20 minutes, uncovered, until vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or thyme for a balanced, savory flavor. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve: Ladle stew into deep white ceramic bowls or serve from the Dutch oven. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread, paired with red wine or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Beef Bourguignon

Pat the beef dry before searing to achieve a rich, caramelized crust.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to balance savory, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.
Use a good-quality red wine you’d enjoy drinking for the best flavor.
Cook in a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and tender results.
Present in a white ceramic Dutch oven or deep bowls to highlight the rich stew and garnishes.
Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance; flavors deepen with time. Refrigerate and reheat gently.
Skim excess fat from the surface before adding mushrooms and onions for a cleaner sauce.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley or thyme for a vibrant, rustic pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Beef Bourguignon: Omit flour or use cornstarch (1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water) for thickening; confirm broth is gluten-free.
Low-Sodium Beef Bourguignon: Use low-sodium broth and reduce salt to 1/4 tsp.
Vegetarian Beef Bourguignon: Replace beef with portobello mushrooms and bacon with smoked tempeh; use vegetable broth.
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: After step 4, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours; add mushrooms and onions in the last hour.
Spicy Beef Bourguignon: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with the thyme for a subtle kick.
Herbed Beef Bourguignon: Add 1 tsp fresh rosemary or 1 tbsp chopped parsley to the braise.
Root Vegetable Beef Bourguignon: Add 1 cup diced parsnips or turnips with the carrots.
Luxury Beef Bourguignon: Stir in 1 tbsp truffle oil before serving for an indulgent twist.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until warm, stirring occasionally.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat as needed, adding broth to adjust consistency.
Serve hot for the best tender texture and rich flavor.
Use as a main dish for dinners or special occasions.
Pair with red wine or sparkling water to complement the deep, savory flavors.
Present in a white ceramic Dutch oven or deep bowls with garnishes for a warm, rustic charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (1.5 cups each):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 70% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 25% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sodium options reduce sodium). Moderate in calories; high in protein.

Conclusion

This Beef Bourguignon recipe delivers a rich, hearty stew perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting favorite. Its straightforward preparation and rustic presentation make it a go-to. The tender beef and velvety sauce delight with every spoonful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing, indulgent charm.