Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish to warm you up during chilly evenings, this Beef Bourguignon Recipe is just what you need! This classic French beef stew is not only delicious but incredibly comforting. The rich flavors meld beautifully as the beef simmers for hours, making it perfect for family gatherings or a special weekend dinner. Plus, it’s always a hit with everyone at the table, and the leftovers are even better!

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With wholesome ingredients like chuck roast and apple vinegar, it proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or planning a cozy gathering with friends, this dish will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl! The tender beef and rich sauce make it the ultimate comfort food.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe simple enough for any home cook to tackle.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves Beef Bourguignon! It’s sure to become a staple in your household.
• Delicious Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Beef Bourguignon Recipe is a breeze! You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome items that create layers of flavor in your stew. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Beef Stew

• 1 (3-pound) boneless chuck roast, patted dry and cut into 2-inch cubes
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 5 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 fresh sprigs of thyme
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups apple vinegar, such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir
• 4 teaspoons beef bouillon
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
• 8 ounces pearl onions, peeled (or frozen, thawed)

For Serving

• Mashed potatoes, for serving (optional)
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Variations

This Beef Bourguignon Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using beef tips or even chicken thighs for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some green beans or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Change the acid: If you prefer, use red wine vinegar instead of apple vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Try different herbs: Rosemary and oregano can add an interesting twist if thyme isn’t your favorite.

How to Make Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Season the Beef

Preheat your oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position. While that heats up, season your beef cubes all over with salt and pepper. This step enhances the meat’s flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Place the chopped bacon in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate while keeping that delicious rendered fat in the pan—this is where all those flavors come together!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Increase the heat to medium-high. In batches, add your seasoned beef cubes in a single layer. Let them brown on all sides for about 10-15 minutes. Browning adds depth of flavor through caramelization—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat back down to medium-low. Add your chopped onion and carrot into that wonderful pot and stir occasionally until softened (about 10 minutes). Then mix in minced garlic, tomato paste, bay leaf, and one sprig of thyme. This creates an aromatic base that will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in those beautiful apple vinegar next! Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—it’s pure gold! Stir in water along with three teaspoons of bouillon before returning both beef and bacon back into the pot. Cover it up and let it roast in the oven until that beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender—around 2½ hours.

Step 6: Cook Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

While everything’s roasting away blissfully, heat olive oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Add cremini mushrooms and pearl onions; season them lightly with salt. Let them cook undisturbed until nicely browned—this will take about five minutes.

Step 7: Simmer Until Tender

Add half a cup of water along with remaining thyme sprig and bouillon. Bring everything to boil then reduce heat; cover until onions are tender (about 10-12 minutes). Uncover towards end while stirring frequently until beautifully caramelized—this will enhance their sweetness!

Step 8: Serve It Up

When everything is ready, serve your delicious Beef Bourguignon over creamy mashed potatoes if you like! Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that pop of color.

This Beef Bourguignon Recipe brings warmth and joy into every bite—enjoy sharing it with those you love!

Pro Tips for Making Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Making a delicious Beef Bourguignon is all about patience and attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Using chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Don’t rush the browning: Take your time browning the beef and bacon. This step adds depth and richness to the stew by creating a beautiful caramelization that enhances the overall flavor.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme not only adds a lovely aroma but also infuses the dish with vibrant flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference!
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt gradually allows you to control the flavor profile of your stew, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned without being overwhelming.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your Beef Bourguignon to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delightful.

How to Serve Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Presenting your Beef Bourguignon in a warm, inviting way can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting classic!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich stew.
• Zest of lemon: A little lemon zest can brighten up the dish and balance its richness, adding an unexpected twist that delights the palate.

Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, providing a luscious base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the stew, allowing you to enjoy every last drop of that savory sauce.
• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans add a pop of color and freshness to your plate while balancing out the hearty nature of the beef.
• Roasted root vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or turnips roasted until caramelized complement the flavors of Beef Bourguignon beautifully and add seasonal flair.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Beef Bourguignon recipe with family and friends! The warmth and comfort it brings are sure to create lasting memories around your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beef Bourguignon recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, ensuring that you have a delicious, hearty dish ready to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the beef bourguignon to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, keep the mashed potatoes separate if they are included.

Freezing

• Portion the beef bourguignon into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove excess air from bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, at medium power until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dish!

What is a Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew made with tender beef simmered in apple vinegar with vegetables and herbs. This recipe captures all the rich flavors of traditional preparations while being simple to make at home.

Can I make this Beef Bourguignon Recipe without alcohol?

Yes! This recipe uses apple vinegar as a substitute for wine, making it suitable for those avoiding alcohol while still delivering a depth of flavor.

How long does it take to cook Beef Bourguignon?

This Beef Bourguignon recipe takes approximately 3 hours total, including cooking time. The slow roast ensures that the beef becomes tender and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Beef Bourguignon recipe! It’s not only a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings but also makes for great leftovers that taste even better the next day. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful stew, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!