Flavorful French Countryside Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Dive into a classic French comfort dish that beef bourguignon perfectly embodies, bringing rustic elegance to your dinner table.

Tender chunks of meat slowly simmer in a rich, velvety red wine sauce, creating layers of deep, complex flavors.

Originating from the Burgundy region, this hearty stew has won hearts across generations with its robust and warming profile.

Onions, mushrooms, and smoky bacon meld together, creating a symphony of taste that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Every bite promises a journey through French culinary tradition, transporting you to a cozy countryside kitchen.

The slow-cooking method transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will impress and satisfy.

Prepare to savor a timeless recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Inside Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Beef Chuck Roast: Tender, marbled cut perfect for slow braising that transforms into melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Pancetta: Adds rich, salty depth and creates a luxurious flavor foundation for the stew.

• Red Wine: Burgundy-style wine contributes complex, deep wine notes that tenderize and elevate the meat's richness.
• Beef Broth: Provides robust, savory liquid base that intensifies overall stew complexity.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that delivers warm, pungent undertones to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates umami flavors and adds subtle tangy richness.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Herbaceous elements that infuse earthy, woodland-inspired aromatics.

• Onions, Carrots: Classic mirepoix vegetables that create a sweet, foundational flavor profile.
• Pearl Onions or Potatoes: Hearty additions that absorb and complement the stew's deep flavors.
• Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty component that adds textural complexity and woodland essence.
• Butter: Provides silky, luxurious finish and helps develop golden-brown mushroom color.

Cooking Tools For Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Dutch oven: Essential large pot for searing and slow-cooking the entire dish with deep sides.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sauteing mushrooms and creating golden-brown surfaces.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for cutting beef into uniform cubes and chopping vegetables precisely.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Paper towels: Helps pat beef dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping browned bits from pot bottom.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and moving beef cubes during searing process.

How To Prepare Beef Bourguignon Recipe At Home

• Beef Preparation

Carefully select quality beef cuts. Ensure meat is patted completely dry. Generously season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat beef cubes with flour, gently shaking off excess.

• Searing Magic

Create a golden crust by heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Brown beef pieces carefully, developing rich caramelized edges. Work in batches to maintain high heat and perfect searing.

• Flavor Foundation

Crisp pancetta until edges turn deliciously golden. Remove meat and use same pot to soften onions and carrots. Introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatic notes to bloom. Stir in tomato paste for depth.

• Wine Transformation

Pour red wine into pot, scraping browned bits from bottom. Let liquid reduce, concentrating complex flavors. This step creates the soul of the dish.

• Slow Cooking Technique

Combine seared beef, pancetta, and vegetables. Add beef broth and herbs. Cover and transfer to preheated oven. Allow gentle, low temperature to transform tough meat into tender masterpiece.

• Mushroom Finale

Separately sauté mushrooms in butter until beautifully caramelized. Incorporate into stew moments before serving.

• Elegant Presentation

Discard herb sprigs. Ladle rich, aromatic stew into warm bowls. Pair with crusty bread or creamy potatoes for ultimate comfort meal.

Flavor Boost Tips For Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose well-marbled chuck roast or beef shoulder for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, ensuring the meat will break down beautifully during slow cooking.
• Low and Slow Perfection: Never rush the cooking process – lower temperatures and longer cooking times guarantee melt-in-your-mouth beef that's incredibly tender and develops deep, complex flavors.
• Wine Wisdom: Select a quality dry red Burgundy or Pinot Noir for authentic taste, but any medium-bodied red wine will work wonderfully if you're budget-conscious.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour when coating beef, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this classic French dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or king oyster, using vegetable broth and adding extra umami through miso paste or soy sauce to create a rich, satisfying plant-based version of this traditional stew.

Serving Ideas For Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Grab a fresh, crusty French baguette or sourdough to soak up the rich, savory sauce. Tear pieces directly into the stew or serve slices on the side for delightful dipping.
• Wine-Inspired Accompaniment: Pour the same red wine used in cooking (like Burgundy) alongside the dish. The matching flavors will elevate the entire dining experience and create a harmonious meal.
• Comfort Side Dish: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles make perfect companions. Their soft texture beautifully complements the tender beef and absorbs the delicious wine-infused gravy.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. The bright green herbs add a pop of color and a subtle fresh note to the rich, hearty stew.

Keep Beef Bourguignon Recipe Fresh For Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Beef Bourguignon in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Freezing Magic: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the stew's rich texture and taste.
• Reheating Perfection: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce seems too thick, helping restore the original creamy consistency.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Separate mushrooms and store them separately if possible, as they can become soggy when mixed with the stew for extended periods. Add fresh sautéed mushrooms when reheating to maintain their golden-brown texture and vibrant flavor.

Rich Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich French classic beef bourguignon emerges as a hearty, slow-cooked masterpiece from Burgundy’s culinary traditions. Tender meat, red wine, and aromatic herbs blend into a soul-warming dish you’ll savor with crusty bread and pure comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 cups (480 ml) dry red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes or pearl onions
• 0.5 lb (225 g) mushrooms, quartered
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tsps fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and black pepper. Dust lightly with flour, shaking off excess.
2. Searing: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef chunks in batches, creating a caramelized crust. Transfer seared meat to a plate.
3. Flavor Base: Crisp pancetta in the same pot, then remove. Sauté onions and carrots until soft and translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring quickly to prevent burning.
4. Deglazing: Pour red wine into the pot, scraping up browned bits. Reduce liquid to concentrate flavors, then return beef and pancetta to the pot.
5. Braising: Add beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, potatoes, and pearl onions. Cover and transfer to a 325F oven. Slow-cook for 2.5-3 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender.
6. Mushroom Finish: In a separate skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until golden and caramelized. Fold into the stew during the final stage of cooking.
7. Serving: Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles, presenting a rich, deeply flavored Beef Bourguignon.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Selection: Choose well-marbled chuck roast or beef shoulder cuts for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that breaks down beautifully during slow braising.
• Manage Moisture Control: Thoroughly pat beef cubes completely dry before seasoning to guarantee perfect caramelization and prevent steaming, ensuring a deep golden-brown exterior.
• Master Searing Technique: Use a scorching hot Dutch oven and avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing each beef piece sufficient space to develop a rich, caramelized crust without releasing excess moisture.
• Enhance Wine Selection: Select a robust, full-bodied red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir that complements the beef’s richness, avoiding overly tannic or cheap cooking wines for authentic depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg