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I’m excited to share my take on a classic French beef stew. It’ll make your taste buds dance. This Beef Bourguignon recipe is inspired by Julia Child’s version. I’ve made it easier for home cooks.
Imagine tender beef in a rich red wine sauce. There are crispy bacon bits, pearl onions, and mushrooms too. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a cozy bistro in France.
If you’re new to French cuisine, don’t worry. I’ve made this recipe easy to follow. The result is totally worth the effort. Let’s start making some magic!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef Bourguignon recipe will soon be your top pick. It’s super easy to make. You’ll get to enjoy the delicious smell in your home without spending a lot of time cooking.
This meal is also kind on your wallet. It uses affordable chuck beef. And, it’s a one-pot dish, so you won’t have to clean many pots and pans.
When it’s cold outside, this dish is perfect for warming up. It’s full of rich flavors and tender meat. You’ll feel like you’re getting a big hug from the food.
Want to impress your guests? This recipe is a great choice. It tastes like French cuisine but is easy to make. Your guests will be amazed, thinking you’ve been taking secret cooking classes.
- Easy to make
- Budget-friendly
- One-pot meal
- Perfect cozy dinner
- Impressive dish for guests
With these five reasons, you’ll surely love this Beef Bourguignon recipe. It’s simple yet sophisticated. It’s great for both everyday dinners and special events.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love sharing my favorite recipes, and this beef bourguignon is no exception! Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this classic French dish.
For the meat, you’ll need 3 pounds of chuck beef. If you can’t find chuck, brisket works well too. Add 6 ounces of bacon for that smoky flavor. The vegetables include 1 large carrot, 1 white onion, 6 cloves of garlic, and 12 pearl onions. For the mushrooms, grab 1 pound of your favorite variety.
The sauce is where the magic happens. You’ll need:
- 3 cups of red wine (I prefer Pinot Noir)
- 2-3 cups of beef stock
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- Fresh thyme and parsley
- 2 bay leaves
For the best results, use homemade beef stock and high-quality burgundy wine. These ingredients will elevate your beef bourguignon to restaurant-level deliciousness!
“The secret to a great beef bourguignon lies in the quality of its ingredients.”
Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the sauce. With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering beef bourguignon that’ll impress your family and friends!
Instructions
I start by marinating the beef chunks in red wine, aromatic vegetables, and herbs. This makes the meat taste rich. After 24 hours, I pat the beef dry and brown it in batches. This step makes the meat taste deep.
Then, I brown the bacon and vegetables too. Once they’re all browned, I put them in a Dutch oven. I add the wine marinade and beef stock for flavor.
Next, I slow cook the Dutch oven in a 350°F oven for about 3 hours. This makes the beef tender and the flavors mix well. Near the end, I add sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions for more taste.
To finish, I simmer the sauce until it’s just right. Letting the stew rest makes the flavors even better. This makes the beef bourguignon very tasty.
- Marinate beef for 24 hours
- Brown ingredients separately
- Slow cook for 3 hours
- Add mushrooms and onions
- Simmer sauce to desired thickness
“The secret to a great beef bourguignon lies in patience and attention to detail.”
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I like to make this dish ahead of time. The flavors get better overnight. It tastes richer the next day. I prepare it a day early to save time.
It’s easy to store leftovers. I keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. If I need to store it longer, I freeze it. I put the stew in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, I use the stovetop. I warm it over low heat and stir now and then. This keeps the meat and veggies tender.
For a gluten-free option, I use cornstarch instead of flour. This change doesn’t affect the taste or texture.
Choosing the right wine is key. A good quality red wine makes a big difference in taste.
There are many ways to serve this dish. I like it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Egg noodles for a hearty meal
These sides go great with the beef bourguignon.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love serving Beef Bourguignon with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich sauce makes the spuds extra tasty. For a twist, try buttery egg noodles or crusty French bread.
When it comes to wine pairing, I choose a full-bodied red. Pinot Noir or Burgundy go great with it. Their earthy notes make the beef taste even better. I also like to start with a crisp French bistro salad and end with a classic Crème Brûlée.
Want to try something new for Christmas dinner? Beef Bourguignon is a great choice. It’s a tasty change from turkey or ham. The cozy flavors make it perfect for any special occasion. Your guests will love it on your table.