Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

As far as French cuisine goes, this classic beef bourguignon recipe is a must-make! Tender beef swimming in a rich wine sauce is especially perfect for the holidays. With its deep flavors and comforting texture, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Render the Bacon
• Step 3: Sear the Beef
• Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
• Step 5: Add Wine, Stock, and Herbs
• Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions
• Step 7: Final Cook
• How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• With Crusty Baguette
• Over Mashed Potatoes
• Accompanied by Buttered Noodles
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs
• With a Side Salad
• Served in Individual Bowls
• How to Perfect Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• Reheating Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the best type of wine for Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?
• Can I make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe ahead of time?
• How do I thicken the sauce in Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?
• What side dishes pair well with Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, wine, and herbs creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
• Tender Meat: Long, slow cooking results in melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s full of flavor.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This dish impresses guests and makes any meal feel special.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables for variety.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Beef bourguignon tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this classic beef bourguignon recipe successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Silicone spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Perfect for searing meat and slow-cooking your dish evenly.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove cooked bacon or meat without taking excess fat with it.
• Silicone spatula: Great for scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot while protecting the surface.

Ingredients

• 5 strips bacon, cut into 1 pieces
• 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2 pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 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
• 10 oz frozen pearl onions, defrosted and drained
• 16 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
• kosher salt
• freshly cracked pepper

How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will cook evenly throughout.

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 the bacon from the pan and transfer it to a small bowl.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Season the cubes of beef with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and sear the beef on all sides until browned. You may need to work in batches. Remove the beef from the pan once done.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Lower heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions and carrots; sauté for about 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Add minced garlic; cook for another minute. Mix in tomato paste; continue cooking for another few minutes until darker in color. Sprinkle flour over veggies; stir well and cook for an additional few minutes.

Step 5: Add Wine, Stock, and Herbs

Pour in Burgundy wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits with your silicone spatula. Add beef stock and bouillon; bring to a simmer. Return seared beef and bacon along with thyme and bay leaves back into the pot. Cover it up before transferring to the oven for about 2½ 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 until browned. Then add pearl onions; cook another five minutes until they too are browned. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Final Cook

Remove your Dutch oven from the oven after initial cooking time; add in mushrooms and pearl onions. Return to oven until beef is fork-tender, approximately another 45–60 minutes. Let it rest covered for about half an hour before serving.

This classic beef bourguignon recipe will surely become a favorite at your dinner table!

How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Serving your classic beef bourguignon recipe can elevate your dining experience. There are several delightful ways to present this rich dish that will impress your guests and family.

With Crusty Baguette

• Slicing Fresh Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette alongside the stew. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the beef bourguignon over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes serve as a comforting base that complements the rich flavors.

Accompanied by Buttered Noodles

• Simple Buttered Egg Noodles: Serve the stew atop buttered egg noodles for a quick and satisfying meal that balances the heartiness of the beef.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

With a Side Salad

• Crisp Green Salad: Pair the hearty stew with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette. This contrast enhances the overall meal experience.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Individual Portions: For special occasions, serve the beef bourguignon in individual bowls. This adds an elegant touch to your dinner presentation.

How to Perfect Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

To ensure your classic beef bourguignon recipe turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef chuck for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Brown Everything Well: Properly browning the meat and vegetables develops deep flavors essential for this dish.
• Patience is Key: Allow plenty of time for cooking; low and slow is the secret to tender beef.
• Use Good Wine: Select a quality Burgundy or bold red wine; it significantly affects the flavor profile of your dish.
• Adjust Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add more stock; if too thin, simmer longer uncovered to reduce.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting it rest after baking allows flavors to meld and improves texture.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

When planning a meal around your classic beef bourguignon recipe, consider these delicious side dishes that perfectly complement its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery loaf infused with garlic adds an aromatic touch to every bite.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal root vegetables roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs offers a neutral base to soak up the savory sauce.
4. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds brightness and color to your plate.
5. Gratin Dauphinois: Creamy potato gratin brings indulgence that pairs well with robust flavors.
6. Green Beans Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds add crunch and freshness.
7. Polenta: Creamy polenta is a fantastic alternative, providing a smooth texture beneath the stew.
8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can balance out the richness of beef bourguignon with its crispiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the classic beef bourguignon recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Bacon: The bacon adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it lays the foundation for a rich sauce.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Searing too much beef at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for better results.
• Rushing the Cooking Time: This recipe needs time to develop flavors. Allow it to cook fully in the oven for tender beef.
• Not Using Quality Wine: Choose a bold red wine that you enjoy drinking. Poor-quality wine can affect the overall flavor of the dish.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning. A well-seasoned dish will elevate your meal significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Classic beef bourguignon can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and reheat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this classic beef bourguignon recipe.

What is the best type of wine for Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

A full-bodied red wine like Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon works best. It enhances the richness of the dish.

Can I make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld together.

How do I thicken the sauce in Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering pot before finishing cooking.

What side dishes pair well with Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

This classic beef bourguignon recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences!