Classic French Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish featuring slow-braised beef simmered in red wine with mushrooms, carrots, pearl onions, and aromatic herbs. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, packed with deep, rich flavors that develop beautifully over time.

While it requires a slow-cooking process, the effort is well worth it! Serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Classic French Cuisine – Inspired by Julia Child’s famous recipe.
✔️ Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef – Slow-cooked to perfection.
✔️ Rich & Hearty – The ultimate comfort food for cold nights.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Beef Stew

2.5 lbs (1.1kg) beef chuck or brisket, cut into 2-inch cubes
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir preferred)
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme
2 bay leaves

For the Mushroom & Onion Garnish

1 tbsp butter
8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
1 cup pearl onions, peeled (or frozen, thawed)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Vegetables

In the same pot, cook bacon pieces until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Add butter, onions, and carrots to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Build the Stew

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and cooked bacon.
Return the seared beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Stovetop Method: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5 – 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Oven Method: Cover and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 2.5 hours.
Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.

Step 5: Prepare the Mushrooms & Onions

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Sauté mushrooms and pearl onions for 5 minutes until golden.
Stir them into the stew 30 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Pair with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or egg noodles.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: ~40g
Carbs: ~20g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~3g

Tips for the Best Beef Bourguignon

✔️ Use the Right Cut of Beef – Chuck roast or brisket works best.
✔️ Pick a Good Wine – Use a dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir.
✔️ Make it Ahead – Flavors deepen overnight for an even tastier dish!
✔️ Thicker Sauce? – Let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes.

What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon

???? Buttery Mashed Potatoes – Classic pairing!
???? Crusty French Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
???? Fluffy Rice or Egg Noodles – Absorbs all the delicious flavors.