Beef Bourguignon
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 oz bacon diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms quartered
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bottle 750 ml dry Burgundy wine
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Pearl onions optional
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then coat lightly with the flour.
- Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp.
- Remove the bacon and set aside.
- Brown the beef in batches using the bacon fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
- Add the butter, onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 4 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the Burgundy wine and beef broth.
- Stir in the thyme and bay leaf.
- Return the beef and bacon to the pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 2½ to 3 hours until the beef is fork tender.
- If using pearl onions, brown them separately and stir them into the stew during the final 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Brown the beef in small batches to develop the richest flavor and avoid steaming the meat. Choose a good-quality Burgundy or Pinot Noir, as the wine is one of the main flavor components. The stew tastes even better the following day after the flavors have had time to develop. Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, crusty bread, or creamy mashed cauliflower.Wine Advice
A classic Burgundy creates the traditional pairing for this French stew. A silky Pinot Noir is another excellent choice with the rich beef and mushrooms.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Beef Bourguignon is one of France’s most celebrated comfort foods. Tender cubes of beef are slowly braised in Burgundy wine with smoky bacon, mushrooms, onions, carrots, celery, and fragrant herbs until every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The long, gentle cooking process allows the wine to reduce into a rich, velvety sauce that coats the beef and vegetables beautifully. Although this classic dish looks impressive enough for entertaining, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare and rewards patience with incredible depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Beef Bourguignon
This French beef stew transforms an economical cut of beef into a luxurious meal using slow cooking and simple ingredients. The combination of bacon, mushrooms, herbs, and Burgundy wine creates layers of rich flavor that continue to improve as the stew rests. If you enjoy hearty comfort food, explore our Beef Recipes, Stew Recipes, Comfort Food Recipes, French Recipes, and Main Course Recipes.
How To Make French Beef Stew
Brown the bacon first before searing the beef in batches to build a deep, rich flavor base. Cook the vegetables until softened, then stir in the tomato paste before adding the Burgundy wine and beef broth. Return the beef to the pot and simmer gently until fork tender. During the final stage of cooking, add the pearl onions if using. Beef Bourguignon develops an even richer flavor after resting for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Beef Bourguignon
Serve this French beef stew with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, crusty French bread, roasted potatoes, or steamed green beans. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for extra color and freshness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Beef Bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The stew also freezes well for up to three months and often tastes even better after a day as the flavors continue to develop. For additional food storage guidance, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
This timeless French recipe is a wonderful example of how slow cooking can transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable family meal. Rich, hearty, and full of classic flavors, it’s a dish you’ll return to throughout the colder months.