The Best Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Hearty beef bourguignon captures the essence of rustic French countryside cooking with its rich, complex flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this legendary stew through careful techniques and love.

Wine-soaked meat melts into tender chunks that practically whisper culinary sophistication.

Robust red wine and pearl onions create a symphony of taste dancing across your palate.

Slow-cooked beef transforms into a luxurious experience that feels both comforting and elegant.

Tender meat braised in Burgundy wine promises a remarkable dining adventure that connects you to classic French traditions.

Invite friends to savor this incredible dish that celebrates simple ingredients transformed through patient, skillful cooking.

How to Simmer Classic Beef Bourguignon Perfectly

Step 1: Prep the Protein and Produce

Slice bacon into small pieces.

Cut beef into uniform chunks.

Chop onions into rough pieces.

Slice carrots diagonally.

Mince fresh garlic cloves.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook bacon until golden and crispy.

Transfer bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving behind the delicious drippings.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Carefully place beef chunks into the hot pot.

Brown meat on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior.

Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Remove and set aside with bacon.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots

Cook until onions become translucent and slightly soft.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Foundation

Stir in tomato paste and sprinkle flour.

Cook for two minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 6: Deglaze with Wine

Pour red wine into the pot.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Step 7: Combine and Simmer

Return beef and bacon to the pot.

• Beef broth
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme

Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef becomes meltingly tender.

Step 8: Finish with Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 9: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips That Bring Out Classic Beef Bourguignon Richness

• Choose well-marbled chuck roast or beef shoulder for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Pat beef cubes completely dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavors.
• Select a good-quality Burgundy or Pinot Noir that you'd enjoy drinking, as it significantly impacts the stew's overall taste.
• Maintain a gentle simmer to break down tough meat fibers and develop deep, complex flavors throughout cooking.
• Saute mushrooms separately in butter before adding to intensify their earthy taste and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Store Classic Beef Bourguignon for Future Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer beef bourguignon to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour leftovers into saucepan. Add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 10 minutes.

Plates That Pair with Classic Beef Bourguignon

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a bold Burgundy red wine like Pinot Noir, matching the recipe's French origin and complementing the rich beef flavors with its earthy undertones and moderate tannins.
• Craft Bread Companion: Serve crusty French baguette or rustic sourdough bread to soak up the luxurious stew sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Create Potato Side: Prepare creamy mashed potatoes or roasted herb-infused potato wedges as an ideal starch accompaniment, helping to balance the hearty meat and capture the delicious braising liquid.
• Design Green Balance: Add roasted green vegetables like asparagus or haricots verts with garlic butter to introduce a fresh, light element that cuts through the beef's richness and provides nutritional variety.

Unique Touches to Refresh Beef Bourguignon

• Vegetarian Bourguignon: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based version that maintains rich, deep flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute carrots with lower-carb alternatives like turnips. Use extra mushrooms and increase protein content with additional bacon or pancetta.
• Wine-Free Option: Replace red wine with beef broth mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for depth and complexity in flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why is bacon used in beef bourguignon?

Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor and provides essential fat for searing and developing deep, complex taste in the stew.

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Chuck roast or beef chuck is ideal because it has excellent marbling that becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.

• Can I substitute the red wine?

While traditional recipes require red wine, you can use beef broth with a splash of red wine vinegar as an alternative, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked?

The beef is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily falls apart, which typically occurs after 2.5 to 3 hours of slow simmering.

Classic Beef Bourguignon Full of Depth

• Master a Gourmet French Classic
• Break down complex French cuisine into manageable steps that anyone can follow, transforming an intimidating recipe into a delightful cooking adventure.
• Develop deep, complex taste layers through slow cooking, allowing beef to become incredibly tender while bacon and wine create an irresistible savory profile.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single Dutch oven that handles everything from searing to simmering, making this recipe perfect for busy home chefs who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Adapt this classic dish for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.

What You’ll Need for Classic Beef Bourguignon

• Beef: A tender, flavorful meat that forms the heart of this classic French stew.
• Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky depth to the dish and provides essential fat for cooking.

• Onions, Carrots: Provide a sweet and aromatic base for the stew.
• Garlic: Brings a robust, pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Mushrooms: Offer an earthy texture and complement the meat's richness.

• Red Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce, a traditional Burgundy cooking method.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory liquid base for slow-cooking the meat.
• Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme: Classic herbs that infuse the stew with traditional French aromatics.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and creating a non-stick surface.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.

Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich layers of French culinary tradition shine through this classic beef bourguignon, where tender beef mingles with robust red wine and aromatic herbs. Hearty comfort awaits you in each deeply flavored, slow-simmered spoonful of this timeless Burgundy-inspired masterpiece.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 4 slices bacon, diced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (454 grams) small white or cremini mushrooms, halved
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dice bacon, beef, onions, carrots, and prepare other ingredients for a harmonious culinary composition.
2. Render bacon in a Dutch oven at medium heat until golden and crisp, extracting rich, savory drippings.
3. Sear beef cubes in batches, creating a caramelized exterior that locks in intense meaty flavors, then set aside.
4. Introduce onions and carrots to the pot, sautéing until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release aromatic essence without burning.
6. Sprinkle flour and tomato paste, coating vegetables and creating a robust flavor foundation.
7. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping accumulated caramelized bits from the bottom to intensify the stew’s depth.
8. Reintroduce bacon and beef to the liquid, then supplement with beef broth and aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaves.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow the stew to gently simmer for approximately 2.5 hours, transforming tough meat into tender morsels.
10. During the final 30 minutes, fold in fresh mushrooms to absorb the surrounding rich, complex flavors.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced profile.
12. Remove herb sprigs before presenting this luxurious, deeply flavored beef bourguignon.

Notes

• Select a well-marbled beef cut like chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
• Brown meat in small batches to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming, which develops deeper flavor complexity.
• Use a full-bodied red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir to enhance the stew’s authentic French countryside taste profile.
• Consider making this dish a day ahead, as flavors intensify and develop more depth when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg