This Classic French Beef Bourguignon is a warm and hearty dish. Tender beef is cooked slowly in rich red wine with onions, carrots, and mushrooms, making every bite full of flavor.
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love serving this dish with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, and it makes the house smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This is the star of the dish. It’s affordable and breaks down beautifully after slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider brisket or round steak, but they may not be as tender.
Pancetta or Bacon: Adds a nice smoky flavor. You can swap this with turkey bacon for a lighter option or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. I like using bacon for that extra richness!
Red Burgundy Wine: A crucial part of the flavor. If you can’t find it, any good quality dry red wine works well. Just avoid super sweet ones. I usually go for a Pinot Noir if Burgundy isn’t available.
Pearl Onions: They add sweetness and look so lovely in the dish! If you can’t find them, use regular onions, chopped, or shallots for a similar flavor. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer.
Mushrooms: I recommend cremini for their earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms or even shiitake work too. Just make sure to slice them evenly for even cooking!
How Do I Get My Beef Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the beef slowly is key to achieving that tender texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by browning the beef in batches. This builds flavor, so don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Make sure to keep the heat at medium-high for browning, but reduce the heat once you add the liquid to avoid overcooking.
- Cover the pot while it’s in the oven to keep the moisture in, which helps the beef break down beautifully.
- Check it regularly. It should be fork-tender by around the 2.5-hour mark, but it’s okay to let it go longer if needed!
Enjoy making this comforting dish – it’ll impress everyone at your table!
Classic French Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 6 oz (170 g) pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (475 ml) red Burgundy wine or another dry red wine
- 2-3 cups (475-700 ml) beef stock
- 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of thyme, bay leaf, and parsley)
- 20 small pearl onions, peeled
- 10 oz (280 g) cremini or white mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish will take about 30 minutes for prep and about 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time in the oven. With the ingredients all ready and some patience, you will create a delicious meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) to get it ready for the braising process.
2. Prepare the Beef:
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. This will help create a nice crust when cooking.
3. Brown the Beef:
In a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-proof pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. In batches, add the beef cubes and brown them well on all sides until they are deeply caramelized. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside. This step adds a lot of flavor!
4. Cook the Pancetta:
Add the diced pancetta or bacon to the pot and cook until it becomes crisp. Once done, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside with the beef.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the chopped onion and carrots to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
6. Add Tomato Paste and Flour:
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for another minute. Now sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Cook this for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the sauce.
7. Deglaze with Wine:
Gradually pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. This step lifts all those lovely browned bits and mixes them into the sauce!
8. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef and the crisp pancetta to the pot. Add enough beef stock to just cover the meat and throw in the bouquet garni. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
9. Braise in the Oven:
Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
10. Prepare Pearl Onions:
About 30 minutes before the dish is done cooking, blanch the pearl onions in boiling water for 2 minutes. Then drain and peel them.
11. Sauté Pearl Onions and Mushrooms:
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and mushrooms, sautéing until they are golden and tender. Once cooked, set them aside.
12. Final Touches:
When the beef is tender, take the pot out of the oven and discard the bouquet garni. Stir in your sautéed pearl onions and mushrooms.
13. Meld the Flavors:
Simmer on the stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and thicken the sauce if needed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Beef Bourguignon hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles.
Enjoy this rich, comforting French classic that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for braising due to its marbling, you can also use brisket or round steak. Just keep in mind that they may require slightly different cooking times to achieve tenderness.
Can I Substitute the Wine?
Yes! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef stock or a mixture of beef stock and grape juice or cranberry juice for a hint of sweetness. However, the depth of flavor will be different.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Beef Bourguignon actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Simply prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stove before serving.