Classic French Beef Bourguignon Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe | French Stew Braised in Red Wine
Discover the delicious and rich flavor of Classic Beef Bourguignon, a French stew made with red wine-braised beef. This comfort food recipe is perfect for family dinners.
Are you craving something hearty, rich, and utterly comforting? Look no further than Beef Bourguignon. This French stew, braised in red wine and loaded with tender beef, vegetables, and herbs, is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a satisfying meal, this classic recipe will surely hit the spot.
In this post, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process to make this stunning dish that’s been a staple of French cuisine for centuries. Ready to cook? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Perfect For:
- Family Gatherings
- Date Night
- Celebratory Dinners
- Special Occasions
Beef Bourguignon is ideal for those special moments when you want a meal that feels like a celebration. It’s perfect for impressing loved ones at a dinner party or enjoying a cozy, luxurious dinner after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine juicy, tender beef slowly braised in a rich red wine sauce, complemented by earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon. Every bite is a burst of flavors and textures that’ll leave you craving more. Here’s why you’ll love this classic French stew:
- Tender and Flavorful: The slow cooking process ensures the beef is incredibly tender and absorbs all the rich flavors from the wine and herbs.
- Hearty Comfort Food: It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth, perfect for those cold evenings or when you need something filling.
- Impressive and Elegant: Whether for a casual family dinner or an elegant evening, Beef Bourguignon always leaves a lasting impression.
Ingredients You Need for 4 Persons (American Units)
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups red wine (Burgundy wine preferred)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights for 4 Persons
- Beef Chuck: A well-marbled cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when braised.
- Red Wine: The key to developing the stew’s deep, rich flavor. Burgundy or Pinot Noir works best.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish.
- Herbs and Broth: A classic combo of thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth brings out the traditional flavors.
Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Total Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown all sides of the beef for 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Step 4: Add Flour and Wine
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the red wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Herbs
Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Return the beef and bacon to the pot, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add Pearl Onions and Mushrooms
After 2 hours, add the pearl onions and mushrooms to the pot. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Table of Calories Per Person
| Ingredient | Serving Size (g) | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chuck | 250g | 250 |
| Olive Oil | 10g | 90 |
| Bacon | 20g | 70 |
| Red Wine | 100g | 70 |
| Mushrooms | 50g | 15 |
| Pearl Onions | 50g | 30 |
| Total | 400g | ~525 |
How to Serve
Serve this luxurious Beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a slice of rustic French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair with a glass of the same red wine you used in the dish to enhance the flavor.
How to Store
If you have leftovers (and you likely will, since this recipe makes a hearty batch), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beef Bourguignon actually improves in flavor the next day, as the ingredients continue to meld together.
To freeze, allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little beef broth if needed.
Additional Tips
- For a thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let the stew simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Marinate the beef: For extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef in red wine and herbs for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Use a Dutch oven: A heavy, oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven retains heat evenly and ensures the stew cooks properly without burning.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms, such as cremini or portobello, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add Potatoes: For a one-pot meal, add peeled, cubed potatoes halfway through the cooking process to make this a more filling dish.
Special Equipment
- Dutch Oven: Ideal for slow-braising the beef and creating a flavorful sauce.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting the beef and vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon: Helps to stir the stew without scratching your cookware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can substitute beef stew meat or round steak, though beef chuck is preferred for its tenderness when braised.
Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, adding the mushrooms and pearl onions in the last 30 minutes.
What wine should I use for Beef Bourguignon?
A dry red wine like Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon will work best.
Conclusion
Beef Bourguignon is the ultimate French comfort food, and once you taste this recipe, you’ll see why it’s been a classic for centuries. It’s perfect for any occasion and will make you feel like a chef in a French bistro. Give it a try, and your tastebuds will thank you!
(Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible)
Share your experience with us
good for a nice dinner
nice
