This Beef Bourguignon combines tender beef with rich red wine, mushrooms, and carrots for a cozy meal that warms the heart. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Honestly, the best part is when the kitchen fills with that yummy smell while it cooks. I can’t wait to dig in and enjoy it with some crusty bread!
Making this stew is a breeze. I just toss everything in the pot, let it simmer, and soon, I’m feasting on comfort food that feels special without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, making it tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck, try using brisket or a good quality round roast. Both will work well but may vary slightly in tenderness.
Bacon: Bacon adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you want a leaner option, pancetta is a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, you could use smoked tempeh or skip it altogether to keep it simple.
Red Wine: Burgundy wine is traditional for this dish, but any dry red wine works. Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon are good options. If avoiding alcohol, use a mix of beef broth with a splash of red wine vinegar for acidity.
Carrots: Your typical orange carrots are great, but try rainbow carrots for color! If carrots aren’t available, parsnips or sweet potatoes work nicely, offering a slightly different taste.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms, but button mushrooms are fine too. If you want a meatier texture, opt for shiitake mushrooms. For a nutty flavor, porcini is a fine alternative, though they may need rehydrating first.
How do I Achieve Tender, Flavorful Beef?
Getting that melt-in-your-mouth beef starts with proper browning. This step is crucial for flavor development! Make sure the pot is hot and brown the beef in batches. If you crowd the pot, it will steam instead of brown.
- Pat the beef dry before adding it to the pot for a good sear.
- Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes without moving it around too much.
The next important step is slow cooking. After adding your liquids, bring it to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it go low and slow. Check occasionally, but resist the urge to lift the lid too often!
Beef Bourguignon – Easy & Delicious Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 1 lb pearl onions (frozen or fresh)
- 1 lb mushrooms, quartered
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beef Bourguignon will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 2 hours and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time browning the beef and veggies, but the slow cooking really brings out the flavors and makes the beef super tender. Grab a cozy spot at the stove and let the magic happen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook it until it’s crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about the drippings; we’re keeping those for flavor!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the beef chunks to the pot in batches, making sure not to crowd them. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes, then take it out and set it aside with the bacon. This step adds great flavor to your stew!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
4. Make the Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your stew later.
5. Add the Liquids:
Slowly pour in the red wine, and be sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Then, add the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until combined.
6. Simmer:
Now, it’s time to bring the beef and bacon back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful the beef will be!
7. Add the Veggies:
After 2 hours, it’s time to add the sliced carrots, pearl onions, and quartered mushrooms. Stir everything together and continue to cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the veggies are cooked through.
8. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the bay leaves. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed — add more salt and pepper if you like. You want it to burst with flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your hearty Beef Bourguignon while it’s hot, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and rich flavor, you can also use brisket or round beef. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut’s tenderness. Make sure to cook until the meat is fork-tender!
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make your Beef Bourguignon gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If you use cornstarch, mix it with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to thicken the sauce.
Can I Prepare This Dish in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! After browning the beef and cooking the bacon, transfer all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful. This method is perfect for a hands-off approach!
How to Store Leftovers of Beef Bourguignon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
