Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, then this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe is just what you need! This delightful French stew features tender beef simmered in a savory apple vinegar sauce. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings or festive family gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you serve this up, it will become a cherished favorite in your home.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal choice for both a cozy weeknight dinner and special occasions. Let’s dive into why this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This beef bourguignon recipe uses straightforward techniques, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With its hearty flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone at the table will love.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors deepen overnight—it’s just as good (if not better!) the next day.
• Rich and Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple vinegar and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering taste that warms your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this comforting dish. Each component plays an essential role in building up those rich, layered flavors we all adore.

For the Stew

• 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 apple vinegar, or other bold apple vinegar
• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or lamb instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced potatoes or turnips to make it even heartier.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for a similar thickening effect.
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with rosemary or parsley to give the dish your personal touch.

How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that once we’re ready to bake our stew, everything will cook evenly.

Step 2: Render the Bacon

In a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-low heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until it’s browned and has released its delicious fat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a bowl—it adds great flavor later!

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Now, let’s season those beautiful cubes of beef with salt and pepper. Increase your heat to medium-high and sear each piece on all sides until they’re nicely browned. Don’t crowd the pot; doing this in batches helps achieve that perfect crust!

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

With the heat back at medium, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pot. Add your onions and carrots, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until they start softening. Then toss in the minced garlic for another minute before adding tomato paste—this deepens flavor beautifully!

Step 5: Add Apple Vinegar, Stock, and Herbs

Stir in that bold apple vinegar, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan—those are packed with flavor! Pour in your beef stock along with bouillon, then bring everything to a simmer. Return both beef and bacon to the pot along with thyme and bay leaves; cover it and get ready for some oven magic!

Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

After about 2 1/2 hours, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add quartered mushrooms until they’re browned nicely—this adds texture! Toss in pearl onions for another five minutes before seasoning them with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Remove your pot from the oven after those first two hours have passed. Stir in mushrooms and pearl onions before returning it to bake until everything is tender—about another 45-60 minutes. Allow it to rest covered for at least 30 minutes before serving; this lets all those wonderful flavors meld together!

I hope you enjoy making this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe as much as I do! It’s truly comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Creating a flavorful beef bourguignon is easier than you might think, especially with these handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for beef chuck, as it becomes incredibly tender during the slow cooking process. This cut is perfect for braising dishes like bourguignon.

• Don’t rush the browning: Searing the beef and vegetables until they are nicely browned creates a depth of flavor through caramelization. This step is crucial for developing rich, complex tastes in your dish.

• Let it simmer low and slow: Cooking the beef bourguignon in the oven allows it to reach the perfect tenderness. The slow cooking process helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

• Add mushrooms at the right time: Sautéing the mushrooms separately before adding them to the stew ensures they maintain their texture and flavor. If added too early, they can become mushy.

• Rest before serving: Allowing your beef bourguignon to rest covered for 30 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute, enhancing flavor and making it even more delicious when served.

How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

When it comes to serving classic beef bourguignon, presentation matters! The rich colors and hearty ingredients make this dish a showstopper on any table. Here are some ideas to make your meal truly special.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant color contrast and a hint of freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Thyme sprigs: A few whole sprigs of thyme can be placed on top for an aromatic touch that complements the flavors in your dish.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce. The texture of a good bread pairs perfectly with this hearty stew.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth counterpoint to the robust flavors of beef bourguignon. Their buttery richness also enhances every spoonful.
• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch, balancing out the rich stew. Their slight crispness provides a nice contrast.
• Roasted root vegetables: Roasting carrots, parsnips, and turnips brings out their natural sweetness and adds another layer of flavor that complements the beef beautifully.

Enjoy making this classic dish! It’s sure to impress family and friends alike while warming hearts during chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for enjoying later in the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the beef bourguignon to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the dish is cooled completely before freezing.
• Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
• Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, at medium power until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

How can I make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe gluten-free?

You can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. This will maintain the rich texture without compromising flavor.

What sides pair well with Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Classic sides include creamy mashed potatoes or crusty baguette. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables also complement this hearty dish beautifully.

Can I use other types of vinegar in Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

While apple vinegar is recommended for its sweetness and depth, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall taste slightly.

Is there a vegetarian version of Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace beef with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. The result will be equally delicious and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table, especially during special occasions. Don’t hesitate to share your cooking experience or tweak it to your liking—happy cooking!