Classic Beef Bourguignon
As far as French cuisine goes, this Classic Beef Bourguignon is a must-make! Tender beef swimming in a rich wine sauce makes it the perfect dish for special occasions and cozy gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a comforting meal at home, this dish stands out with its deep flavors and heartwarming aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, red wine, and herbs creates a deep, savory flavor profile that will impress your guests.
- Tender Meat: Slow-cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even as a weekend treat. Pair it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means you can focus on enjoying your meal instead of worrying about dishes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key tools you’ll need to prepare this Classic Beef Bourguignon.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Silicone spatula
- Slotted spoon
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking; it retains heat well and allows even cooking.
- Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot without scratching your cookware.
- Slotted spoon: Makes it easy to remove cooked bacon or vegetables without excess grease.
Ingredients
For this Classic Beef Bourguignon recipe, you will need:
For the Meat
- 5 strips bacon, cut into 1 pieces
- 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2 pieces
For the Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Burgundy wine, or other bold red wine
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon beef bouillon
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves, dried or fresh
For Finishing Touches
- 10 oz frozen pearl onions, defrosted and drained
- 16 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
- kosher salt
- freshly cracked pepper
How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for slow-cooking.
Step 2: Render the Bacon
Add the chopped bacon to your Dutch oven. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook until browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Season the cubes of beef with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and sear on all sides until browned. Remove from the pan once done.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Lower heat back to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, then add chopped onions and carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently. Add garlic, cooking for an additional minute. Stir in tomato paste; cook until darkened in color (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle flour over veggies; mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Wine, Stock, and Herbs
Pour in Burgundy wine, scraping up any browned bits from bottom with a silicone spatula. Add beef stock and bouillon; bring to a simmer. Return seared beef and bacon along with thyme and bay leaves back into pot. Cover tightly and transfer to preheated oven. Cook for approximately 2 1/2 hours.
Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions
Around the last half hour mark, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add quartered mushrooms; cook until browned. Add pearl onions; season with salt and pepper after about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Combine Everything
After cooking time is complete, remove Dutch oven from oven. Stir in sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions into beef mixture. Return to oven for an additional 45-60 minutes until beef is very tender. Allow to sit covered for about 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Classic Beef Bourguignon!
How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon
Classic Beef Bourguignon is a hearty dish that warms the soul. It pairs beautifully with various sides and drinks, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Wine Pairings
- Burgundy Wine: The traditional choice, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Pinot Noir: A lighter alternative that complements the richness without overpowering.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: For those who prefer a bolder flavor profile.
Bread Choices
- Baguette: Perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
- Crusty Artisan Bread: Adds texture and depth to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Infuses a delightful aroma and flavor contrast.
Garnishes
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top.
- Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs can enhance the aromatic experience of serving.
Accompaniments
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Egg Noodles: Soft noodles provide a comforting base for the beef stew.
How to Perfect Classic Beef Bourguignon
Getting your Classic Beef Bourguignon just right takes some techniques. Here are essential tips to ensure you nail this classic recipe.
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for high-quality beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.
- Brown Thoroughly: Searing both the bacon and beef properly enhances the dish’s depth through caramelization.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves elevate the overall taste compared to dried versions.
- Patience is Key: Allowing it to simmer slowly in the oven makes all ingredients meld beautifully.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit after cooking helps flavors develop further.
Best Side Dishes for Classic Beef Bourguignon
To complement your Classic Beef Bourguignon, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance your dining experience. Each option brings its unique flavor and texture to balance this rich meal.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery, perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and healthy crunch alongside the stew.
- Buttery Noodles: Simple egg noodles tossed in butter offer comfort as a side.
- Green Beans Almondine: Crisp green beans topped with toasted almonds provide a fresh contrast.
- Ratatouille: This vegetable medley brings vibrant flavors and pairs well with beef.
- Baked Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as an excellent base, absorbing juices from the stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Classic Beef Bourguignon can be a rewarding experience, but there are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to properly sear the beef can lead to a less flavorful dish. Take your time to brown the meat on all sides for better flavor.
- Using low-quality wine: The wine you choose impacts the sauce. Always select a good-quality Burgundy or bold red wine for rich flavor.
- Not letting it rest: Cutting into the beef immediately after cooking can result in dry meat. Let it rest covered for 30 minutes before serving.
- Overcooking vegetables: Adding vegetables too early can lead to mushy textures. Follow the recipe’s timing for adding them at the right point.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Classic Beef Bourguignon
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Be sure to label containers with the date.
Reheating Classic Beef Bourguignon
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place in a covered dish and heat for about 30 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Classic Beef Bourguignon.
What is Classic Beef Bourguignon?
Classic Beef Bourguignon is a traditional French stew made with tender beef, red wine, vegetables, and herbs. It’s known for its rich flavor.
Can I make Classic Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?
Yes! This dish often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator overnight.
What kind of wine should I use for Classic Beef Bourguignon?
Choose a quality Burgundy or any full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. This enhances the stew’s depth of flavor.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Beef Bourguignon?
Absolutely! You can use different cuts of beef or add other vegetables like potatoes or peas according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
Classic Beef Bourguignon is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and deep flavors that are perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste!
Classic Beef Bourguignon
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Classic Beef Bourguignon is the epitome of French comfort food, combining tender beef with a rich red wine sauce that warms the soul. This hearty stew features succulent chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a dish that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 strips bacon
- 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 large carrots
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 cups Burgundy wine
- 2 cups beef stock
- fresh thyme and bay leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat until browned; remove and set aside.
- Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in the same pot until browned on all sides; remove.
- Sauté onions and carrots in remaining fat, add garlic, then stir in tomato paste and flour.
- Pour in wine, scraping the pot's bottom; add stock, bouillon, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Return beef and bacon to the pot; cover and bake for about 2.5 hours.
- In the last half hour, sauté mushrooms and pearl onions separately; combine them into the stew before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
