🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef Bourguignon:
- 🥩 2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- 🌾 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 🧈 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🥓 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 🧅 1 large onion, diced
- 🥕 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 🍄 1 cup button mushrooms, halved
- 🍷 2 cups red wine (like Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
- 🥣 2 cups beef broth
- 🌿 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌱 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 🌿 2 bay leaves
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Season and Dredge the Beef:
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
Brown the Beef
- Sear the Beef:
- In batches, sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the onion, carrots, and mushrooms for 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Build the Stew
- Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the beef, bacon, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook
- Cook the Stew:
- Cover the pot and cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Alternatively, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Finish the Dish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🍷 Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute the wine with grape juice or additional beef broth.
- 🥬 Vegetable Twist: Add parsnips or celery for extra flavor and texture.
- 🌱 Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- 🍞 Side Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich and flavorful Beef Bourguignon with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or sparkling water complements the meal beautifully.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon is the epitome of comfort food with its tender beef, aromatic wine sauce, and hearty vegetables. This dish is a timeless French classic, perfect for cozy dinners, celebrations, or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
