Beef Bourguignon (Boeuf Bourguignon) hails from the Burgundy region of France, where humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary. This dish features chunks of beef slowly braised in red wine with aromatic vegetables, garlic, herbs, and mushrooms until meltingly tender. Rich, hearty, and layered with flavor, it’s the ultimate winter meal, often served with potatoes or crusty bread.
[cooked-sharing]
Yields6 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time3 hrsTotal Time3 hrs 30 mins
For the Stew
2 ½lbsbeef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
2tbspolive oil
115gpancetta or bacon, diced
1large carrot, sliced
1large onion, chopped
3clovesgarlic, minced
2tbsptomato paste
2tbspall-purpose flour
3cupsdry red wine (like Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
2cupsbeef stock
2bay leaves
4sprigs thyme
2tbspfresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Finishing Touch
1tbspbutter
8ozpearl onions, peeled
10ozcremini or white mushrooms, halved or quartered
Brown the Beef
1
Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until well-browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Build the Base
2
In the same pot, cook the pancetta or bacon until crisp.
Add onion and carrot, sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
Return the beef to the pot and sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
Braise
3
Pour in the wine and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add bay leaves and thyme.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
Braise for 2 to 2½ hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Cook the Mushrooms & Onions
4
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Sauté the pearl onions for 5–7 minutes, until golden.
Add mushrooms and cook for another 5–6 minutes until browned and tender.
Finish & Serve
5
Remove the stew from the oven. Skim excess fat if needed.
Stir in the mushrooms and onions. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes on the stove to meld the flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
6
Classic: over buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes
Rustic: alongside crusty French bread
Wine pairing: a glass of the same red wine used in the braise
Tips & Variations
7
No Dutch oven? Simmer on the stove on very low heat instead of baking.
Advance Prep: Even better the next day—make a day ahead and reheat gently.
Vegetable Boost: Add parsnips or turnips for an earthy touch.
Ingredients
For the Stew
2 ½lbsbeef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
2tbspolive oil
115gpancetta or bacon, diced
1large carrot, sliced
1large onion, chopped
3clovesgarlic, minced
2tbsptomato paste
2tbspall-purpose flour
3cupsdry red wine (like Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
2cupsbeef stock
2bay leaves
4sprigs thyme
2tbspfresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Finishing Touch
1tbspbutter
8ozpearl onions, peeled
10ozcremini or white mushrooms, halved or quartered
Directions
Brown the Beef
1
Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until well-browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Build the Base
2
In the same pot, cook the pancetta or bacon until crisp.
Add onion and carrot, sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
Return the beef to the pot and sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
Braise
3
Pour in the wine and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add bay leaves and thyme.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
Braise for 2 to 2½ hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Cook the Mushrooms & Onions
4
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Sauté the pearl onions for 5–7 minutes, until golden.
Add mushrooms and cook for another 5–6 minutes until browned and tender.
Finish & Serve
5
Remove the stew from the oven. Skim excess fat if needed.
Stir in the mushrooms and onions. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes on the stove to meld the flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
6
Classic: over buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes
Rustic: alongside crusty French bread
Wine pairing: a glass of the same red wine used in the braise
Tips & Variations
7
No Dutch oven? Simmer on the stove on very low heat instead of baking.
Advance Prep: Even better the next day—make a day ahead and reheat gently.
Vegetable Boost: Add parsnips or turnips for an earthy touch.