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 perfect for the holidays and special gatherings. The dish’s deep flavors and comforting warmth will surely impress your guests, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or festive occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, red wine, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that is irresistible.
- Tender Meat: Slow-cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish in a rustic pot for an elegant table centerpiece.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on chilly nights or serve at celebrations; it’s always a hit!
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means you can focus more on enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Tools and Preparation
To make Classic Beef Bourguignon, having the right tools can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Here are the essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Silicone spoon
- Slotted spoon
- Skillet
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking and even heat distribution, ensuring perfectly tender beef.
- Silicone spoon: Great for scraping up browned bits from the pan without damaging the cookware.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and mushrooms, enhancing their flavors before adding them to the stew.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this delightful Classic Beef Bourguignon:
For the Meat
- 5 strips bacon, cut into 1 pieces
- 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2 pieces
For Cooking
- 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
Liquids & Seasoning
- 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
Final 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).
Step 2: Render the Bacon
Add the chopped bacon to your Dutch oven. Turn the heat to medium-low. Cook until browned and fat is released. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon from the pan and transfer it to a bowl.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Season beef cubes with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Increase heat to medium-high. Sear beef on all sides until browned; do this in batches if necessary. Remove beef from the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Lower heat to medium; add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions and carrots; sauté for 2-3 minutes while stirring often. Add minced garlic; cook for another minute. Stir in tomato paste; cook until darkened in color (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle flour over top; stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Wine, Stock, and Herbs
Pour wine into the pot; scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with your silicone spoon. Add beef broth and bouillon; bring to a simmer. Return seared beef and bacon to pot along with thyme and bay leaves. Cover pot and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 2 1/2 hours.
Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions
About halfway through cooking, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add mushrooms; cook until browned. Then add pearl onions; cook for an additional 5 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Final Cooking Steps
Remove pot from oven; stir in mushrooms and pearl onions. Return it to oven until beef is very tender (another 45-60 minutes). Let sit covered for 30 minutes before serving.
This Classic Beef Bourguignon will surely become a favorite in your home! Enjoy every savory bite!
How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon
Serving Classic Beef Bourguignon can elevate any meal, especially during special occasions. Its rich flavors pair beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance the dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Baguette – Serve slices of fresh baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Sourdough – Use toasted sourdough for a tangy crunch that complements the stew.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The smooth texture and buttery flavor of mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for the beef and sauce.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Adding roasted garlic gives an extra layer of flavor that pairs nicely with the dish.
Accompanied by Salad
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette refreshes the palate after the hearty stew.
- Caesar Salad – The richness of Caesar dressing contrasts well with the robust flavors of beef bourguignon.
With Wine Pairing
- Burgundy Wine – Complement your meal with a glass of Burgundy wine, enhancing the wine notes in the dish.
- Pinot Noir – This lighter red wine pairs wonderfully, echoing the flavors in your beef bourguignon.
How to Perfect Classic Beef Bourguignon
To truly master Classic Beef Bourguignon, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure a rich and flavorful dish every time.
- Use Quality Meat – Choosing high-quality beef chuck will yield more tender meat after long cooking.
- Brown Properly – Make sure to sear the beef until browned for added depth of flavor in your sauce.
- Don’t Rush Cooking Time – Allowing it to simmer in the oven enhances tenderness; patience is key!
- Let It Rest – After cooking, let your stew sit covered for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Best Side Dishes for Classic Beef Bourguignon
Pairing side dishes with Classic Beef Bourguignon can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts bring sweetness and color to your plate.
- Buttered Noodles – Simple egg noodles tossed in butter offer a comforting addition that complements the stew.
- Polenta – Creamy polenta provides a luxurious base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Green Beans Almondine – Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds add both texture and elegance.
- Ratatouille – This vegetable medley brings freshness and balances out the richness of beef bourguignon.
- Herbed Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice with herbs serves as a neutral yet flavorful side that pairs beautifully.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for an irresistible accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Classic Beef Bourguignon, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to sear the beef properly can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Take your time to brown all sides of the beef for a rich taste.
- Using Low-Quality Wine: The wine you choose directly impacts the sauce’s flavor. Always use a good quality Burgundy or bold red wine that you would drink.
- Not Letting It Rest: Serving immediately after cooking may lead to tough meat. Allowing it to rest for 30 minutes enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Searing too much beef at once can lower the pan’s temperature, preventing browning. Work in batches to achieve a perfect crust.
- Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can leave your dish bland. Always check flavors before serving and adjust as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Classic Beef Bourguignon
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Classic Beef Bourguignon
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in short intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Classic Beef Bourguignon.
Can I use any type of beef for Classic Beef Bourguignon?
You should use tougher cuts like beef chuck, as they become tender during slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts that may dry out.
What is the best wine for Classic Beef Bourguignon?
A good quality Burgundy wine is ideal, but any bold red wine will work well. Look for wines with rich flavors that complement beef.
How do I know when Classic Beef Bourguignon is done?
The dish is ready when the beef is fork-tender. This usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking.
Can I customize my Classic Beef Bourguignon recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like potatoes or peas, or adjust herbs according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Classic Beef Bourguignon is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Its versatility allows for various enhancements based on personal taste, making it an excellent recipe to try. Enjoy creating this delightful French classic!
Classic Beef Bourguignon
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Classic Beef Bourguignon is a quintessential French dish that embodies comfort and luxury in every bite. This hearty beef stew features succulent pieces of beef slow-cooked in a rich Burgundy wine sauce, complemented by aromatic herbs and vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, this dish not only warms the soul but also impresses your guests with its deep, layered flavors. Serve it alongside crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, making it an unforgettable meal that will become a family favorite.
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
- Cremini mushrooms and pearl onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, cook chopped bacon until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Increase heat to medium-high and sear seasoned beef cubes until browned on all sides. Remove from pot.
- Sauté onions and carrots in remaining butter, then add garlic, tomato paste, and flour; stir well.
- Pour in wine, scrape up browned bits, add beef broth and herbs, then return beef and bacon to pot.
- Cover and bake for 2 ½ hours.
- Halfway through, sauté mushrooms and pearl onions separately; add them to the stew before the final cooking stage.
- Let rest for 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
