Seriously Sensational Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon Recipe: My Sensational Slow-Cooked Secret

By Kendra ThompsonJune 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Alright, let's get to it! ever crave a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside? i know i do.

And honestly, nothing beats a classic for that feeling. that's where the beef bourguignon recipe comes in.

A Taste of France, Right Here

This isn't just any stew. it's a beef dish with serious history. think parisian bistros and cozy countryside kitchens. this beef bourguignon recipe , originating from burgundy, france, is a flavorful and hearty stew.

It takes a bit of time, about 4 to 4. 5 hours total, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

You get about 6 to 8 servings. this is perfect for a sunday beef dinner with the fam, or even a slightly fancy night in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, the tender beef is amazing. But the real star is the red wine sauce. It is packed with mushrooms, onions and bacon. It's rich, complex, and unbelievably comforting.

And hey, did you know that red wine, especially when cooked, is packed with antioxidants? this recipe is a great source of protein, iron and other important minerals.

It is also idee pasto sano . so you can tell yourself it is good for you! think of it as a health boost disguised as pure indulgence.

This beef bourguignon recipe is special because it is a beef recipes easy recipe, but it delivers seriously impressive flavor.

Also, it tastes even better the next day. you know? make it ahead, and let all those flavors meld together.

It is just simply perfect. the stew recipes never tasted so good.

Ready to dive into the ingredients?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this beef bourguignon recipe absolutely sing! think of this as your shopping list and prep station rolled into one.

Trust me, getting organized upfront makes the whole cooking process way less stressful. it’s about the idee pasto sano as well as the big flavour.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's what you'll need. Don't skimp on quality where it matters!

Beef: 3 lbs (1.36 kg) beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes. This is the star. Look for well marbled chuck roast. Marbleizing is what gives you that tender, melt-in-your mouth texture after hours of cooking.
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) - For browning.
Salt: 1 tsp (5 g) - Seasoning is key!
Black Pepper: ½ tsp (2.5 g) - Adds a little kick.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp (16 g) - For dredging the beef.
Bacon: 6 oz (170 g) bacon, cut into lardons. You know, thick strips. Smoked bacon is great.
Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. About a cup.
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Also, about a cup.
Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Yup, another cup.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Adds a punch.
Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp . Concentrated flavour!
Cremini Mushrooms: 1 lb (454 g), quartered. Button mushrooms work in a pinch.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: 1 tbsp , chopped. Fresh is best, but dried works if you're stuck.
Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
Dry Red Wine: 1 (750 ml) bottle . Burgundy or Pinot Noir is fab. Don't use "cooking wine"!
Beef Broth: 2 cups (473 ml). Low sodium is good so you can control the salt.
Brandy: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Optional , but adds a depth of flavour.

Seasoning Notes

Listen, seasoning can make or break a dish. It's a simple way to create amazing Beef Recipes For Dinner .

Essential Spice Combo: Thyme + bay leaf is classic French. Honestly, it is the soul of the Beef Bourguignon Recipe .
Flavor Enhancers : A splash of brandy is great. Worcestershire sauce is another little secret weapon I use.
Quick Substitution: If you don't have fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Not quite the same, but it will do.

Equipment Needed

Alright, let's talk tools. You don't need fancy kit to nail this beef dinner or even most beef dishes .

Essential: Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot with lid. This is your workhorse. It needs to be oven safe if you're planning on baking it.
Alternatives: If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, oven safe pot with a tight fitting lid will work. Just be mindful of even heat distribution. Even a cooker recipes will work in a pinch.
Other Essentials: Cutting board, chef's knife, measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, right?

There you have it! all the bits and pieces to nail this beef recipes easy . now, onto the fun part.

I remember making this for my first "grown-up" dinner party. oh my gosh, the pressure! but it turned out amazing, and everyone raved.

You got this!

Alright, let’s dive into the wonderful world of beef bourguignon ! honestly, is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? you know, that "hug in a bowl" feeling? we're talking seriously sensational slow cooked beef bourguignon recipe right here.

Forget about dry, bland stew. this is proper, french style deliciousness. it could be a beef dinner on its own, or served with a multitude of different foods!

**Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic**

First, let's get organised. i call it my "mise en place" moment. chop everything before you start cooking. that means 3 lbs of beef chuck cubed.

Cut 6 oz of bacon into lardons. chop one large yellow onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Quarter 1 lb of cremini mushrooms. chop 1 tbsp fresh thyme. this makes everything so much easier, trust me. you don't want to be scrambling to chop carrots while your bacon's burning.

The beef could be a great beef recipes for dinner option.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Bourguignon Bliss

Marinate Beef : Toss cubed beef in salt and pepper, then red wine. Chill 30 minutes.
Bacon Bliss : Crispy bacon in a Dutch oven? Yes, please. Remove and set aside, save that fat!
Brown the Beef : Dry beef with paper towels. Dredge in flour. Brown in bacon fat, in batches!
Veggies Time : Sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add garlic and tomato paste. Smells amazing already, right?
Deglaze Magic : Pour brandy into the pot, scraping up those tasty browned bits. This is where the flavour REALLY builds!
Sauce It Up : Mushrooms, thyme, bay leaf, wine, and beef broth go in. Bring to simmer.
Braising Begins : Return beef and bacon. Simmer covered on low for 3-3. 5 hours , until beef is fork tender. This is the key to perfect Beef Dishes . It could be just what you needed to create your Idee Pasto Sano .
Adjust and Serve : Remove the bay leaf. Season to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Bourguignon Brilliance

Don't Crowd the Pan : Brown beef in batches. It needs space to get that gorgeous colour.
Good Wine Matters : Don’t use that dodgy cooking wine. Get a decent bottle.
Patience is a Virtue : Low and slow cooking gives you that fall apart tenderness.

Honestly, this beef bourguignon recipe is a winner. it's perfect if you’re looking for beef recipes easy . thinking of julia child and wishing you could recreate her magic? with a good stew recipes it could be easier than you think! it is also a wonderful cooker recipes .

Remember, beef bourguignon actually tastes better the next day. flavours get even richer. enjoy!

Alright, let's talk recipe notes for our amazing beef bourguignon recipe ! honestly, this section is like the secret sauce to the secret sauce.

It’s where we iron out all the little bits that make this dish truly shine. you know? think of it as your culinary cheat sheet.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Bourguignon

These beef recipes for dinner aren’t just about following instructions. It’s about understanding why we do things. So, I want you to become a bourguignon boss!

Fab Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, loves! think rustic chic. ladle that gorgeous beef bourguignon recipe over creamy mashed potatoes. a sprinkle of fresh parsley is always a winner.

Crusty bread? non-negotiable. you need that to soak up all that delicious sauce. seriously. as far as drinks go, a nice glass of red (something from burgundy, naturally!) is perfetto .

Alternatively, a crisp, cold beer cuts through the richness beautifully. don't forget simple veggie pairings like steamed green beans, tossed with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Savvy Storage Tips

Got leftovers? lucky you! this beef dinner is even better the next day. pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily chill in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Wanna freeze it? go for it! it'll keep well for up to 3 months. just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Defrost overnight in the fridge. reheating is easy. gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. or, zap it in the microwave.

Whichever floats your boat.

Awesome Adaptations

Fancy tweaking this beef bourguignon recipe ? Go wild!

Dietary: Need a gluten-free version? Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free. Easy peasy!
Seasonal: In the autumn, chuck in some roasted root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes alongside the mushrooms. Pure comfort food! Try using chicken stock for the beef recipes easy instead of beef broth for a lighter meal. This can also provide a slightly different flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

Nourishing Nutrition

Okay, let's get real. this isn't exactly a light salad. but it is packed with goodness! you get a good dose of protein from the beef.

Essential vitamins and minerals from the veggies. and, dare i say, a little bit of heart healthy goodness from the red wine? the slow cooking process also helps to make the nutrients more bioavailable.

It is an idee pasto sano if done right.

So there you have it! all my insider tips to make your beef bourguignon recipe truly spectacular. now go forth and cook! honestly, even if you mess it up slightly, it's still gonna be delicious.

Trust me. you got this! whether you're using cooker recipes or going traditional with a dutch oven, the end result will be worth it.

And remember, like julia child said, "the only real stumbling block is fear of failure. in cooking you've got to have a what the-hell attitude.

" so get those beef dishes sizzling! these stew recipes are a crowd pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this beef bourguignon recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the initial steps, then pressure cook on high for 45-50 minutes with a natural pressure release.

It's like magic, innit?

What's the best cut of beef to use for beef bourguignon?

Beef chuck is the gold standard. It has plenty of marbling which renders down during the long cooking time, resulting in a tender and flavorful stew. Don't be tempted to use leaner cuts, as they'll become dry and tough. Think of it as a "happy accident" that rewards patience and the right ingredients.

What wine should I use for my beef bourguignon recipe, and can I substitute it?

A dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir is traditionally used. These wines have the right balance of fruit and acidity to complement the beef. If you're not a wine drinker, you can substitute with a dry red grape juice, but add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for acidity to give it that "certain something."

How long can I store leftover beef bourguignon?

Leftover beef bourguignon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In fact, many find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together! It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months; just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

It’s like a culinary "time capsule" of deliciousness!

My sauce is too thin! How do I thicken my beef bourguignon?

There are a few ways to thicken the sauce. You can remove some of the liquid and reduce it in a saucepan over medium high heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can make a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the simmering stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking, it will act as a "thickening charm."

Is beef bourguignon healthy? What about nutritional information?

Beef Bourguignon, while rich and comforting, can be part of a balanced diet. The beef provides protein, and the vegetables offer vitamins and fiber. A serving (approximately 1.5 cups) contains roughly 650 calories, 55g protein, 35g fat, and 20g carbs.

To make it healthier, trim excess fat from the beef and serve with a generous portion of vegetables. Remember portion control is key, old bean!