Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food this winter, then this beef bourguignon recipe is just what you need! It’s a classic French dish that warms the soul and fills your home with delightful aromas. I remember the first time I made this stew; it felt like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. The tender chunks of beef simmer beautifully in a rich sauce, creating a meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights when you need something special.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something that feels gourmet without spending all day in the kitchen. The leftovers are just as heavenly, making it an excellent choice for meal prep too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and satisfying: This beef bourguignon recipe is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling full and happy.
• Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a cozy family meal, everyone will adore this comforting dish.
• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results.
• Make-ahead friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so it’s ideal for preparing in advance.
• Versatile options: Customize it to your taste with various vegetables or side dishes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll find that these simple, wholesome items come together to create an unforgettable dish. Gather them up, and let’s get cooking!

For the 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, Pinot Noir or Chianti
• 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 (Optional)

• Mashed potatoes
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this beef bourguignon recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter version that still packs flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced potatoes or root vegetables for extra heartiness and nutrition.
• Change up the herbs: Use rosemary or oregano instead of thyme if you prefer their flavors.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to give your stew a little kick!

How to Make Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F with a rack positioned in the center. This sets the stage for slow-cooking magic!

Step 2: Season the Beef

Season your beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. This step enhances the flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This process not only adds flavor but also renders fat that will help brown our meat later.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Increase your heat to medium-high and add those seasoned beef cubes in batches. Browning them well creates delicious caramelization, adding depth of flavor to your stew.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat again and add in your chopped onion and carrot. Cooking until softened brings out their natural sweetness. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme—this fragrant mix will elevate your stew immensely.

Step 6: Create Your Sauce

Pour in apple vinegar while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those bits are packed with flavor! Add water and bouillon before returning your browned meat back to join this flavorful mixture.

Step 7: Slow Roast

Cover your pot and let everything roast in the oven until that beef is fork-tender—about 2½ hours. The low-and-slow cooking will infuse every bite with rich flavors.

Step 8: Sauté Vegetables

While waiting on that delicious stew, heat olive oil in another skillet. Add mushrooms and pearl onions—cooking until browned gives them a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with tender meat.

Step 9: Serve It Up!

Once done, serve your hearty beef bourguignon over mashed potatoes if you’d like—a perfect way to soak up all that luscious sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for brightness!

And there you have it—a delightful Beef Bourguignon recipe that’s sure to impress! Enjoy each warm bite as it brings everyone around your table together this season.

Pro Tips for Making Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Making a perfect Beef Bourguignon is all about the little details that elevate the dish. Here are some pro tips to ensure your stew is as delicious as possible!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Using a chuck roast or similar cut ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow.

• Sear the beef properly: Browning the beef in batches allows for a good caramelization, which adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

• Don’t skip the marinating step: If time allows, marinate the beef in apple vinegar overnight. This intensifies the flavor and makes for an even more tender bite.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: After cooking, taste your stew before serving. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance those rich flavors.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your Beef Bourguignon to sit for 15-30 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

How to Serve Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Serving Beef Bourguignon is a delightful experience, as this hearty dish not only warms the soul but also impresses your guests with its rich aroma and presentation. Here are some ways to make your dinner extra special!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Zest of lemon: A touch of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors and balance out the richness of the stew.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing! Silky mashed potatoes soak up all that luscious sauce, making every bite heavenly.
• Crusty French Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette on the side for dipping into the sauce; it’s simply irresistible!
• Steamed Green Beans: Their crispness provides a nice contrast to the tender meat and adds a vibrant color to your plate.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to this hearty stew.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Beef Bourguignon! With these tips and serving suggestions, your meal will be both comforting and memorable. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beef Bourguignon recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy hearty and flavorful meals throughout the week. With a few simple steps, you can store leftovers or even prepare it ahead of time for a busy day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the beef bourguignon to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled beef bourguignon into freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some space at the top of each container, as the stew will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely; heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish.

What makes this Beef Bourguignon recipe special?

This Beef Bourguignon recipe stands out due to its rich flavors achieved by slow-cooking tender beef with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Can I use different types of vinegar in this Beef Bourguignon recipe?

Absolutely! While apple vinegar works wonderfully in this Beef Bourguignon recipe, you can experiment with other varieties like red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.

How do I make my Beef Bourguignon thicker?

If you’d like a thicker consistency for your Beef Bourguignon, simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering stew until thickened to your liking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this hearty Beef Bourguignon recipe! It’s not just about the delicious flavors but also the warmth it brings to your home—perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share how yours turns out!