Beef Bourguignon

Ultra-tender chunks of beef, seared vegetables, and a rich, velvety red grape juice sauce make this Beef Bourguignon an unforgettable dish. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this French stew combines comfort and elegance. Its deep flavors and hearty texture will warm you from the inside out, making it a favorite for colder months or any time you crave something satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, vegetables, and a luscious grape juice sauce creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Tender Texture: Slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for a delightful meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Impressive Presentation: With its rich colors and garnished with parsley, this dish looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Beef Bourguignon, you will need some essential kitchen tools that will simplify the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Slotted spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Dutch oven: This heavy-bottomed pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking and perfect for braising.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while scraping up those flavorful browned bits.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you prep time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Stew

• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 3 cloves garlic
• 8 ounces thick-cut turkey bacon (5 to 6 slices)
• 1 (3-pound) boneless beef chuck roast
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided, plus more as needed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry red grape juice
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 dried bay leaves

For the Garnish

• 8 ounces pearl onion (about 25), not thawed if frozen
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

For Serving

• Egg noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread

How to Make Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 350℉.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

Dice the large yellow onion (about 2 cups). Peel and cut the medium carrot crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (about 1/3 cup). Mince the 3 cloves of garlic.

Step 3: Cook Turkey Turkey turkey bacon

Cut the thick-cut turkey turkey turkey bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until browned and crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl when done.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast, then cut into rough 2-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels; season with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add half of the beef to the pot in a single layer; cook until browned on all sides (about 2 to 3 minutes per side). Transfer to the bowl with turkey turkey turkey bacon and repeat with remaining beef.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Add diced onion and carrot to the pot; cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add tomato paste; stir to coat vegetables and cook until darkened in color (1 to 2 minutes). Sprinkle with flour; stir to coat and cook for an additional minute.

Step 6: Add Liquids

Pour in red grape juice while scraping up browned bits from bottom of pot with wooden spoon. Add beef broth, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and remaining salt. Return beef and turkey turkey turkey bacon along with accumulated juices back to pot; stir to combine. Increase heat to medium-high; bring mixture to simmer.

Step 7: Bake in Oven

Cover pot tightly; transfer to oven. Cook until beef is very tender (about 2 hours).

Step 8: Prepare Onions & Mushrooms

About 30 minutes before stew is done, trim and peel pearl onions if necessary. Quarter cremini mushrooms.

Step 9: Sauté Onions & Mushrooms

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add pearl onions, mushrooms, remaining salt, and black pepper; cook until tender and lightly browned all over (12 to 15 minutes).

Step 10: Combine & Serve

Add cooked onions and mushrooms to pot; stir well. Discard bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste stew; adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Enjoy your cozy Beef Bourguignon!

How to Serve Beef Bourguignon

Serving Beef Bourguignon is a delightful experience, as this rich stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Classic Pairings

• Egg Noodles: These soft and chewy noodles soak up the savory sauce perfectly.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting base that complements the stew’s flavors.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh bread is ideal for dipping into the rich sauce.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
• Grated Parmesan: For an extra layer of flavor, consider sprinkling some grated Parmesan on top before serving.

Wine Pairing (Non-Alcoholic)

• Sparkling Grape Juice: This bubbly drink mimics the elegance of wine without the alcohol, making it a perfect accompaniment.

How to Perfect Beef Bourguignon

To achieve the ultimate Beef Bourguignon, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the dish’s flavor and texture, ensuring you impress everyone at your table.

• Bold Seasoning: Make sure to season each component well; this builds layers of flavor throughout the dish.
• Sear Properly: Take your time when searing the beef and turkey turkey turkey bacon. A good caramelization adds depth to the final dish.
• Slow Cooking is Key: Allowing the stew to simmer low and slow ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality beef broth for a richer taste.
• Thicken Wisely: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch with water and add it towards the end of cooking.
• Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasoning just before serving for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is versatile enough to pair with various sides that enhance its robust flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts bring color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs can absorb the juicy sauce while adding an aromatic element to your meal.
5. Polenta: Creamy polenta makes for an elegant base that pairs wonderfully with this rich stew.
6. Colcannon: This Irish dish combines mashed potatoes with greens like kale or cabbage for added flavor and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Beef Bourguignon, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can impact the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful stew. Ensure you brown the meat in batches for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the pot’s temperature and prevent proper browning. Cook in smaller batches for better results.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality beef or broth will result in an uninspiring stew. Invest in good cuts of meat and high-quality broth for the best flavor.
• Not Allowing Enough Cooking Time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to tough meat. Be patient; slow cooking is key to achieving tender beef.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Beef Bourguignon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Beef Bourguignon

• Freeze in a suitable airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating Beef Bourguignon

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 30-40 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beef Bourguignon?

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew made from tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich sauce with vegetables and herbs.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! While traditional recipes call for beef, you can substitute chicken or lamb if you prefer.

How do I serve Beef Bourguignon?

This dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Choose your favorite side!

Can I make Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this stew tastes even better when made a day ahead as the flavors continue to develop.

How do I customize my Beef Bourguignon?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas, or adjust the herbs based on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Beef Bourguignon is a delightful and comforting dish that offers endless possibilities for customization. With its rich flavors and tender beef, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Try this recipe today and make it your own!