Beef Bourguignon Recipe with Classic French Wine and Tender Beef

Why You’ll Love This Beef Bourguignon

This Beef Bourguignon recipe offers a comforting mix of flavors that make it a favorite for home cooks. It’s easy to prepare, with simple steps that let even beginners create a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like beef and vegetables, supporting a balanced diet full of proteins and vitamins.

One reason you’ll love this dish is its health benefits from lean cuts of beef and fresh veggies, which provide essential minerals for overall wellness. Beef Bourguignon brings a distinctive flavor from tender beef simmered in red wine, herbs, and aromatics, making every bite uniquely savory. Whether you’re adapting it for gluten-free needs or enjoying it as is, this recipe’s versatility fits busy parents, students, or food enthusiasts looking for a customizable meal.

Key Features of This Recipe

• Ease of preparation: With just about 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this stew ready for cooking, fitting into the schedules of working professionals and busy families.
• Health benefits: One serving delivers around 624 calories, 59 grams of protein, and nutrients like 2031 IU of vitamin A and 12 milligrams of vitamin C, making it a smart choice for diet-conscious individuals.
• Versatility: You can tweak it for various lifestyles, such as using gluten-free options or swapping ingredients, while keeping that classic French wine taste intact.
• Distinctive flavor: The tender beef soaked in a rich red wine gravy creates a comforting, savory experience that’s perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining newlyweds and seniors.

For more tips on adapting recipes, check out our guide on advanced cooking techniques for even better results.

Essential Ingredients for Beef Bourguignon

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Beef Bourguignon that highlights classic French wine and tender beef. This section lists everything you need based on traditional methods, ensuring your stew turns out rich and flavorful. We’ll focus on precise measurements to help you get it just right from the start.

Comprehensive Ingredient List

Below is a structured list of all the essential ingredients for this recipe. Each item’s quantity is clearly stated to make shopping and preparation straightforward. This includes every detail provided, from the beef to the herbs and optional add-ins.

• 3 pounds beef brisket, chuck steak, or stewing beef cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 ounces roughly chopped bacon
• 1 large carrot sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 1 large white onion diced
• 6 cloves of minced garlic (divided)
• A pinch of coarse salt
• A pinch of ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons of flour (for coating the beef)
• 12 pearl onions (optional)
• 3 cups of red wine (such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti)
• 2 to 3 cups of beef stock (use 3 cups if only 2 cups of wine are used)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 crushed beef bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (divided)
• 1 pound of fresh mushrooms quartered
• 2 tablespoons of butter (for sautéing mushrooms)

Remember, using a good quality red wine that’s moderately priced will enhance the tender beef and overall flavor. For those interested in the nutritional side, check out beef nutrition details to see how this fits into a balanced diet.

How to Prepare the Perfect Beef Bourguignon: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Beef Bourguignon starts with simple steps that lead to tender beef in a rich red wine gravy. Begin by preparing your ingredients to ensure a smooth process, just like in classic French cooking. This guide covers the traditional method while noting options for other tools like an Instant Pot or slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, prepare all ingredients: Chop the onions, slice the carrots, and cut the 3 pounds of beef into 2-inch chunks for even cooking.
2. Brown the beef in batches using 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat to seal in juices and build flavor, then set it aside after coating with 2 tablespoons of flour.
3. In the same pot, sauté the 6 ounces of chopped bacon, 1 large diced onion, sliced carrot, and divided minced garlic until they soften and release their aromas.
4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor, then add the beef back to the pot.
5. Pour in 3 cups of red wine and 2 to 3 cups of beef stock, along with 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, and the crushed beef bouillon cube, then bring to a simmer.
6. For the traditional oven method, cover and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender; for stovetop, simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. In the final steps, sauté 1 pound of quartered mushrooms with 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining garlic, then add them to the stew just before serving for the best texture.

After cooking, strain the sauce, skim off excess fat, and simmer it to a glossy consistency. Let the stew rest for 15 minutes before serving with sides like mashed potatoes or noodles. This method ensures Beef Bourguignon with classic French wine flavors shines through.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Beef Bourguignon

Making Beef Bourguignon adaptable means you can tweak it for different needs while keeping the tender beef and rich gravy intact. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or going vegan, these changes help maintain the dish’s comforting taste. Experiment with options to suit busy parents or health-focused food enthusiasts.

Options for Protein and More

• Substitute the 3 pounds of beef with mushrooms or plant-based alternatives like seitan for a vegan version that still feels hearty.
• Use chicken or pork instead for a lighter take on this classic stew.
• Swap red wine with grape juice or broth if you’re avoiding alcohol, ensuring the flavors stay balanced.
• For gluten-free prep, choose certified gluten-free beef stock and skip the flour coating or use a substitute.

These tweaks keep the essence of Beef Bourguignon alive, allowing travelers or seniors to enjoy familiar comforting meals anywhere.

Mastering Beef Bourguignon: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your Beef Bourguignon to the next level, focus on techniques that enhance the tender beef and classic French wine elements. Using a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven helps with even heat, while searing beef in batches prevents steaming and boosts caramelization. These tips make the dish even more enjoyable for baking enthusiasts and food lovers.

Expert Advice for Better Results

• Use fresh herbs like rosemary alongside thyme for added depth in the flavor profile.
• Prepare the stew ahead and let it sit overnight, as this allows the tastes to meld and tender beef to shine even more.
• Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and pair with crusty bread for a welcoming presentation.
• For variations, add a splash of brandy or incorporate smoked bacon to bring extra complexity.

One useful resource for more ideas is our section on storing your stew, which can help with make-ahead meals.

How to Store Beef Bourguignon: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Beef Bourguignon tasting great, preserving the tender beef and red wine gravy for later. Cool the stew quickly and use airtight containers to maintain freshness, making it easy for students or working professionals to enjoy meals on the go. Follow these steps to avoid waste and keep things safe.

Storage Methods

This approach ensures your Beef Bourguignon remains delicious. For more on red wine’s role, read about its benefits in balancing hearty meals.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon

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🍷 Experience the ultimate French comfort food with this classic Beef Bourguignon that transforms tough cuts of beef into meltingly tender meat swimming in a rich, wine-infused sauce
🥩 Master the art of French cooking with this show-stopping stew that combines savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and deep red wine flavors for an unforgettable dining experience

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

– 3 pounds beef brisket, chuck steak, or stewing beef cut into 2-inch chunks

– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

– 6 ounces roughly chopped bacon

– 1 large carrot sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces

– 1 large white onion diced

– 6 cloves of minced garlic (divided)

– A pinch of coarse salt

– A pinch of ground pepper

– 2 tablespoons of flour for coating the beef

– 12 pearl onions (optional)

– 3 cups of red wine (such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti)

– 2 to 3 cups of beef stock (use 3 cups if only 2 cups of wine are used)

– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

– 1 crushed beef bouillon cube

– 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme

– 2 bay leaves

– 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (divided)

– 1 pound of fresh mushrooms quartered

– 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing mushrooms

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Instructions

1-First, prepare all ingredients: Chop the onions, slice the carrots, and cut the 3 pounds of beef into 2-inch chunks for even cooking.

2-Brown the beef in batches using 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat to seal in juices and build flavor, then set it aside after coating with 2 tablespoons of flour.

3-In the same pot, sauté the 6 ounces of chopped bacon, 1 large diced onion, sliced carrot, and divided minced garlic until they soften and release their aromas.

4-Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor, then add the beef back to the pot.

5-Pour in 3 cups of red wine and 2 to 3 cups of beef stock, along with 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, and the crushed beef bouillon cube, then bring to a simmer.

6-For the traditional oven method, cover and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender; for stovetop, simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours.

7-In the final steps, sauté 1 pound of quartered mushrooms with 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining garlic, then add them to the stew just before serving for the best texture.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍷 Choose a good quality, moderately priced red wine that you’d enjoy drinking – the wine flavor concentrates during cooking and becomes the soul of the dish
🥩 Allow the stew to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving – this lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency
🍄 Add the buttered garlic mushrooms at the very end to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy in the stew

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Stew
• Method: Braising/Oven Cooking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Contains meat and alcohol

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 624
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 1163mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 59g
• Cholesterol: 151mg