If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a little French comfort food into your kitchen, Beef Bourguignon is the dish to try. This rich, savory stew is a timeless classic—tender beef slow-braised in red wine with mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner gathering, this dish never fails to impress. The best part? While it sounds fancy, it’s totally doable for beginner home cooks!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Deep, rich flavor: Slow cooking infuses the beef and vegetables with bold wine and herb flavors.
- Perfect for make-ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day!
- Beginner-friendly: Surprisingly easy steps for such an elegant dish.
- One-pot magic: Fewer dishes and more flavor—win-win!
- Comfort food classic: Hearty, warm, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Beef Bourguignon
- Chuck Roast or Stewing Beef: The star of the dish—braises beautifully into melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Red Wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir): Adds depth and richness—this is what gives the stew its signature flavor.
- Beef Broth: Builds the stew’s hearty base and balances the wine.
- Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Pearl Onions: Add a sweet and savory punch in every bite.
- Mushrooms: Soak up the flavorful sauce and add a meaty texture.
- Garlic and Herbs (Thyme, Bay Leaf): Classic aromatics that layer in earthy, savory notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beef Bourguignon
- Prep the Beef: Pat the beef dry, then season with salt and pepper. Searing the beef gives it flavor—don’t skip this step.
- Brown in Batches: In a Dutch oven, sear beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, cook chopped onions, garlic, and carrots until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine, scraping up the flavorful browned bits on the bottom.
- Add Everything Back In: Return the beef to the pot. Add broth, tomato paste, pearl onions, and herbs. Stir well.
- Slow Cook: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5–3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Optional Finish: For a thicker sauce, uncover during the last 30 minutes or whisk in a cornstarch slurry.
Pro Tip: Use a good-quality wine that you would drink—it makes all the difference!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use pancetta or bacon: Sauté before the beef for added depth.
- No pearl onions? Substitute with chopped sweet onions or shallots.
- Slow cooker option: Sear ingredients first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Make it gluten-free: Skip the flour or use gluten-free thickener.
- Vegetarian variation: Swap beef for mushrooms and lentils, and use veggie broth.
How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re craving more comforting and flavorful beef dishes after trying this Beef Bourguignon, here are a few more recipes to add to your must-make list:
- Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry: A quick and wholesome skillet meal packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Tender, juicy steak bites in rich garlic butter sauce served over silky mashed potatoes.
- Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry: Another healthy, stir-fried option with lean beef and crunchy cabbage in a savory Asian-inspired sauce.
These dishes bring bold taste with minimal effort—just like your favorite beef stew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best cut of meat for Beef Bourguignon?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Can I make Beef Bourguignon in advance?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Do I have to use wine?
Wine is traditional and adds rich flavor, but you can substitute with more broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar if needed.
What do I serve with Beef Bourguignon?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles are all delicious options.
Beef Bourguignon brings the heart of French cuisine straight to your table—with its melt-in-your-mouth beef and velvety sauce, it’s a dish worth savoring. Whether it’s your first time making it or a returning favorite, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, share your results, and don’t forget to follow for more comforting, easy-to-make recipes!
Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs chuck roast or stewing beef cut into chunks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pearl onions
- 3 carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz mushrooms halved
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine Burgundy or Pinot Noir
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch optional, for thickening
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Sear beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté 5–6 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute.
- Deglaze with wine, scraping the pot. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Return beef to pot. Add broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Cover and simmer on low for 2.5–3 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Optional: Mix flour or cornstarch with water and stir in to thicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.