French Beef Bourguignon

Ah, Beef Bourguignon—there’s something so special about this classic French dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re dining at a charming little bistro in the heart of Paris, even if you’re just in your own kitchen. This hearty, comforting stew is made with tender chunks of beef, simmered in rich red wine, aromatic herbs, and savory vegetables, creating a flavor-packed dish that’s truly unforgettable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love French Beef Bourguignon

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef

The beef is slow-cooked until it’s so tender it practically melts in your mouth. The long cooking process lets all the flavors soak into the meat, making every bite a savory delight.

Rich, Deep Flavor

The combination of red wine, beef broth, and aromatics like garlic, onions, and thyme creates a deep, rich flavor that’s truly comforting. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to savor slowly, spooning up every last drop of sauce.

Cozy and Hearty

This isn’t a quick-and-light meal; it’s a cozy, filling dish that’s perfect for colder months or special occasions when you want to serve something that feels luxurious without too much fuss.

Impressive but Simple

Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this dish may sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty straightforward to make. The slow-cooking process does most of the work for you, leaving you with a meal that’s both impressive and totally doable.

A Perfect Make-Ahead Dish

Beef Bourguignon is even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld and develop, so it’s a perfect make-ahead option for dinner parties or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic French Beef Bourguignon:

Beef Chuck

The beef chuck is the perfect cut for this dish. It’s a tougher cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender after long, slow cooking in the wine and broth.

Red Wine

A good dry red wine is key to the rich flavor of this dish. Look for a wine that you’d drink—Burgundy is the traditional choice, but a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon works just as well.

Beef Broth

Beef broth is used to create the base of the sauce, adding a savory richness that balances the acidity of the wine.

Carrots

Carrots bring a touch of sweetness to the dish and help balance out the richness of the beef and wine.

Onions

Onions, along with garlic, form the aromatic base of the sauce, giving the dish its depth of flavor.

Garlic

Garlic adds a savory kick to the stew, infusing the sauce with its irresistible aroma.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms soak up the wine and broth, making them incredibly flavorful and adding a bit of texture to the dish.

Bacon

Bacon adds a smoky, salty element that enhances the richness of the stew.

Herbs

A bouquet garni of thyme, bay leaves, and parsley stems infuses the sauce with earthy, herbal flavors.

Olive Oil & Butter

To brown the beef and vegetables, you’ll need a bit of olive oil and butter, which help develop the flavors and create a beautiful golden color.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this amazing French Beef Bourguignon:

1. Brown the Beef

In a large Dutch oven, heat some olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure to get a nice sear on all sides. This step adds so much flavor to the dish, so don’t rush it! Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Cook the Bacon

In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. The bacon will release its fat and add a rich smoky flavor to the stew. Remove the bacon and set it aside with the beef.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

4. Add the Wine and Broth

Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor, so don’t leave them behind! Then, add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Add the Beef, Bacon, and Herbs

Return the beef and bacon to the pot, along with the bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, and parsley stems). Stir everything together, then cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Sauté the Mushrooms

While the beef is cooking, sauté the mushrooms in a separate pan with a little butter and olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Set aside.

7. Finish the Dish

Once the beef is tender, remove the bouquet garni and discard it. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, and season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to combine all the flavors.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Beef Bourguignon hot, garnished with fresh parsley and alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How to Serve French Beef Bourguignon

This dish is perfect when paired with some hearty sides that complement its rich flavors:

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ideal side to soak up the rich sauce from the Beef Bourguignon. You can’t go wrong with this classic pairing.

Crusty Bread

A warm, crusty baguette or some rustic country bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that decadent sauce.

Buttered Noodles

If you’re in the mood for pasta, buttered egg noodles or a wide pappardelle would be fantastic alongside the beef.

Steamed Vegetables

Lightly steamed green beans, peas, or roasted Brussels sprouts add a bit of freshness and color to the plate.

Additional Tips

• Wine Quality: Use a good quality wine, as it’s the base of the sauce. You don’t have to splurge, but choose something you enjoy drinking.
• Slow Cooker Version: If you want to make this in a slow cooker, follow the same steps but brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Leftovers: This dish is even better the next day! The flavors continue to develop, so it’s perfect for making ahead.
• Bacon: If you prefer, you can use pancetta or prosciutto instead of bacon for a slightly different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 85mg
  Sodium: 600mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
  Protein: 37g
  Vitamin D: 0mcg
  Calcium: 40mg
  Iron: 5mg
  Potassium: 650mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes, you can use stew beef or brisket if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it long enough for the meat to become tender.

Q2: What type of red wine should I use?
A2: A dry red wine like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Burgundy works best. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Beef Bourguignon actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A4: Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?
A6: To reheat, gently warm the Beef Bourguignon in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals.

Q7: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A7: It’s best to use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture, but frozen carrots and peas will work if that’s what you have on hand.

Q8: Can I skip the bacon?
A8: If you prefer, you can skip the bacon, though it does add a wonderful smoky flavor. You can substitute it with a bit of smoked paprika for a similar effect.

Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like mashed potatoes or gluten-free bread, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some freshly cracked black pepper for a little heat, but keep in mind that Beef Bourguignon is meant to be savory, not spicy.

Conclusion

French Beef Bourguignon is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. Slow-cooked beef, rich red wine, and a medley of aromatic vegetables come together to create a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something cozy, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every rich, flavorful bite!

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