Ultimate Beef Bourguignon
A classic French recipe that combines tender beef, savory vegetables, and a luscious red wine sauce, perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes Ideal for slow cooking; it becomes tender and infused with flavor.
- 4 cups red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir) Adds depth; choose a bottle you would enjoy sipping.
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped A base flavor that adds sweetness as it caramelizes.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced Their natural sweetness balances the rich flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced A fragrant addition that enhances taste.
- 2 cups beef broth For moisture and richness; feel free to substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste Adds umami; can be swapped for a touch of balsamic vinegar for brightness.
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) Provides an earthy flavor.
- 2 bay leaves Great for aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning; always season according to your taste.
- 4 oz bacon, diced A touch of smokiness; consider lardons or omit entirely if avoiding pork.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced For a meaty texture that plays well with the beef.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and chop your vegetables, measure your wine, and get everything ready for cooking.
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In the same pot, add the beef in batches, browning all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the remaining fat, add onions, carrots, and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the wine and beef broth. Add thyme and bay leaves.
Cooking
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Cover and let simmer for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the mushrooms and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove bay leaves, ladle into bowls, and serve.
Notes
For a family-friendly version, try using a non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice. For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with hearty veggies like carrots and eggplant and use mushrooms for umami.