Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re ready to dive into a dish that wraps you in warmth and takes your taste buds on a delightful journey, this Beef Bourguignon Recipe is calling your name. A classic French stew that lovingly transforms humble beef chuck into tender, flavorful morsels swimming in a rich, aromatic sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe promises depth, comfort, and timeless elegance all in one pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Beef Bourguignon Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each item plays a crucial role. From the hearty beef chuck that melts beautifully to the bay leaves that deepen the complexity, every component adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together harmoniously.

• 2-3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes: Ideal for braising because it becomes tender and succulent with slow cooking.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential to season the beef perfectly and bring out its natural flavors.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for achieving a golden, caramelized crust on the beef.
• 2 medium onions, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth that balances the savory elements.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the stew with a subtle aromatic punch that enhances each bite.
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds: Provides a gentle sweetness and tender texture to contrast the rich sauce.
• 2 cups beef broth: The base that keeps everything moist and rich, bringing life to the stew’s sauce.
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled: Adds mild sweetness and an elegant touch to the presentation.
• 2 cups mushrooms, quartered: Brings earthiness and deep umami flavor, perfectly complementing the beef.
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 tablespoon dried thyme: Lends an herbal note that brightens the dish.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuses subtle depth and complexity during the long simmer.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens color and adds a rich, concentrated flavor.
• 2 tablespoons flour: Used to thicken the stew beautifully and bring the ingredients together.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), to taste: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a light finish to the rich stew.

How to Make Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start by patting your beef cubes dry with paper towels. This simple step helps your meat brown beautifully instead of steaming. Be generous with the salt and freshly ground black pepper—this is your first chance to build flavor, so don’t hold back!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides until they develop a deep golden crust, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Browning locks in flavor, so take your time. After browning, set the beef aside—this is where the magic starts to build.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

Using the same pot, add your chopped onions. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they soften and pick up all the caramelized bits stuck to the pan. This fond is packed with rich flavor that will seep into your stew.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Carrots

Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced carrots. Stir them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the carrots start to soften slightly—this step adds sweetness and complexity to the dish.

Step 5: Coat the Beef with Flour

Return the beef to the pot, then sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables. Mix well so the flour coats everything evenly. This will thicken your stew’s sauce as it cooks, giving it that luscious, velvety texture you crave.

Step 6: Stir in Tomato Paste

Now fold in the tomato paste, stirring to distribute it fully. It adds beautiful color and a subtle tang, enriching the flavors and deepening the sauce’s richness.

Step 7: Add Broth and Aromatics

Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the pearl onions, mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaves. These ingredients infuse the stew with layers of earthy, herbal notes and elegant sweetness.

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the pot and lower the heat. Let the stew simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is meltingly tender and the flavors have melded into a sumptuous whole. This slow cooking is where the Beef Bourguignon Recipe truly shines, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Step 9: Season and Finish

Give your stew a taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the bay leaves before serving to keep the flavors balanced and smooth.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Serve your Beef Bourguignon hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This beautiful dish deserves a thoughtful presentation and is perfect alongside crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

How to Serve Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a lively green contrast to the deep, rich colors of the stew. A sprinkle just before serving brightens up each bite and adds a subtle fresh aroma that balances the dish’s richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Beef Bourguignon Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy buttered noodles to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans provide a nice textural counterpoint and fresh flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, consider serving this stew in individual rustic ramekins topped with a sprig of thyme and a swirl of fresh parsley. Alternatively, pile it over a slice of toasted sourdough or a bed of buttered polenta for a modern twist that elevates the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring each spoonful remains rich and delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Cool the stew completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months while maintaining its full flavor and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the stew evenly and preserve the tender texture of the beef. Adding a splash of broth can help refresh the sauce if it thickens too much after storage.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Beef chuck roast is the best choice because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking, perfect for braising in this hearty stew.

Can I make Beef Bourguignon Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for tender, delicious results.

Do I have to use pearl onions?

While pearl onions add sweetness and a lovely visual element, you can substitute with chopped yellow onions if pearl onions are hard to find.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be rich and velvety, coating the back of a spoon without running off too quickly, thanks to the flour and slow reduction during cooking.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the stew without compromising texture or taste.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Bourguignon Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that delivers comfort, elegance, and satisfaction all at once. It’s a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that invites everyone to gather around the table and savor the moment. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it holds a special place in the hearts of home cooks and food lovers everywhere.

Print