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If you are looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and rich flavors, then Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This French-inspired stew delivers tender chunks of beef, savory bacon, and earthy mushrooms, all slowly simmered in red wine and beef broth until every bite bursts with deep, soulful taste. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug at the end of a long day and a celebration of comfort food done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet powerhouse ingredients is your first step to a spectacular meal. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role, from the tender beef chuck that forms the hearty base, to the bouquet garni that infuses the stew with aromatic goodness, making the dish truly unforgettable.
- 3 pounds beef chuck: Choose well-marbled meat for tenderness and rich flavor.
- 4 slices of bacon: Adds smoky depth and a deliciously crisp texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables without overpowering flavors.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and body to the stew.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a wonderful aromatic punch.
- 2 cups red wine (or beef broth for non-alcoholic): Essential for deep, complex flavors and tenderizing the beef.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the hearty base of the stew.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Enhances umami and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 1 bouquet garni (bay leaf, thyme, and parsley tied together): Infuses the stew with classic herbal notes.
- 2 cups pearl onions: Adds a sweet, tender bite that complements the beef beautifully.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered: Brings earthy richness and texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and lifts all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté pearl onions and mushrooms for added silkiness.
How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by cutting the beef chuck into generous 1.5-inch cubes, trimming away any excess fat to ensure a clean but succulent finish. Chop the bacon, onions, and carrots into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic to release its fragrant oils. This prep work sets the foundation for building layers of complex flavor.
Step 2: Crisping the Bacon
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the chopped bacon. Cooking it until crisp, about 5 minutes, lets the bacon fat render out, which you’ll use to give the other ingredients a beautiful, savory base. Once crisp, remove the bacon and keep it aside for later.
Step 3: Browning the Beef
Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the beef cubes in batches. Avoid crowding the pot so each piece browns to a rich golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This caramelization is crucial, enhancing the dish’s depth. Remove each batch and set alongside the bacon.
Step 4: Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and carrots, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The veggies soak up the bacon fat, creating a flavor base that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Building the Sauce
Add the tomato paste to the vegetables, stirring it in thoroughly. Then return the beef and bacon to the pot. Pour in the red wine (or beef broth if you prefer non-alcoholic), and the beef broth, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift all those browned bits full of flavor.
Step 6: Slow Simmering
Drop the bouquet garni into the pot and bring the contents to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce to low heat, cover, and let the stew simmer slowly for 2-3 hours. This slow cook is the secret to melting the beef into fork-tender perfection while allowing every ingredient to harmonize beautifully.
Step 7: Preparing Onions and Mushrooms
While the stew simmers, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add pearl onions and sauté until golden and tender, about 10 minutes. Next, toss in the quartered mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes more. These add a wonderful texture and flavor that complement the richness of the beef wonderfully.
Step 8: Final Assembly and Seasoning
Once the beef is tender, stir in the sautéed onions and mushrooms. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe hot, perhaps garnished with a little fresh parsley for brightness.
How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped thyme brings a fresh contrast to the deep, savory notes in the stew and adds inviting color. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a luscious sheen and subtle richness.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty French bread soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a healthier twist, a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness and round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a rustic Dutch oven right at the table for an inviting, communal feel. You can also plate it elegantly in shallow bowls with a sprig of herbs on top and a side of garlic bread to scoop every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe actually tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a real treat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep all those flavors intact.
Freezing
This stew freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled stew to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm the stew slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture and flavor nuances.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe?
While beef chuck is ideal for its balance of fat and tenderness, you can experiment with brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind these cuts may require adjustments in cooking time to reach the perfect tenderness.
Is red wine necessary in this recipe?
Red wine truly gives the stew its signature depth and complexity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substituting with extra beef broth works well and still results in a savory, satisfying dish.
Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies on the stove, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
How do I prevent pearl onions from falling apart?
Sauté pearl onions gently over medium heat and avoid excessive stirring. Cooking them separately also helps maintain their shape and prevents overcooking during the long stew simmer.
What is the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce ends up thinner than you’d like, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering stew. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably special about Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a meal full of love and tradition. From the first sear to the final simmer, it invites you to slow down, savor incredible flavors, and share moments around the table. So, grab your Dutch oven and dive into this timeless dish—your heart and taste buds will thank you.
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Classic Beef Bourguignon: A Hearty Comfort Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Classic Beef Bourguignon is a rich and hearty French stew featuring tender beef chuck braised in red wine and beef broth with aromatic vegetables, pearl onions, and mushrooms. This comfort dish offers deep flavors developed through slow cooking, making it perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meats and Fats
- 3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pearl onions
- 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups red wine (or beef broth for non-alcoholic option)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bouquet garni (bay leaf, thyme, and parsley tied together)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef chuck into 1.5-inch cubes and trim excess fat. Chop the bacon, onion, and carrots, and mince the garlic to have everything ready for cooking.
- Render Bacon Fat: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for about 5 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sear Beef Cubes: Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until deep brown crust forms. Remove beef and set aside with bacon.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until onions turn translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Combine: Stir in tomato paste with vegetables. Return beef and bacon to the pot. Pour in red wine (or beef broth) and beef broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze and lift browned bits.
- Simmer Stew: Add bouquet garni to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
- Sauté Pearl Onions and Mushrooms: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add pearl onions and cook about 10 minutes until golden and tender. Add quartered mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Once the beef is tender, stir in the sautéed pearl onions and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use good quality red wine for the best flavor; a Burgundy or Pinot Noir works well.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine with an equal amount of beef broth.
- Slow simmering is key to tender, flavorful beef—avoid rushing this step.
- You can prepare this stew a day in advance; flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
- Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
