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Classic Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon, a dish made famous by Julia Child, is a rich and hearty French stew that combines tender beef with a flavorful wine-based sauce, mushrooms, onions, and a variety of aromatic herbs. This classic recipe hails from the Burgundy region of France and is perfect for special occasions, cozy dinners, or when you’re looking for a dish that fills your home with warmth and irresistible smells. Though it may take a little time to prepare, the result is a savory masterpiece that’s absolutely worth the effort. It’s a dish that offers rich flavors, comfort, and the joy of cooking something so indulgent.

This recipe allows the beef to braise slowly in red wine, resulting in tender, flavorful meat and a deep, satisfying sauce. While it’s perfect for a dinner party or holiday gathering, Beef Bourguignon also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop and improve over time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is a perfect challenge to help you master slow cooking techniques and impress your guests with an authentic French meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Complex Flavors

The slow-cooked beef combined with red wine, aromatic herbs, and vegetables creates a rich and deep flavor profile that makes every bite unforgettable.

2. Perfect for Special Occasions

Beef Bourguignon is an elegant dish that will surely impress your guests at any special gathering or celebration.

3. Tender, Fall-Apart Beef

The long braising time makes the beef incredibly tender, ensuring it practically melts in your mouth.

4. Classic French Comfort Food

With its luxurious sauce and comforting aroma, Beef Bourguignon epitomizes French comfort food.

5. Versatile and Customizable

While the recipe has a classic structure, you can adjust the vegetables and even swap beef for other meats, like pork or lamb, to make the dish your own.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat (chuck or sirloin)
• Carrots
• Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Red wine (preferably Burgundy)
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaves
• Bacon or pancetta
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Flour
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Different Cuts of Meat: While chuck is traditional, you can also use brisket, sirloin, or even short ribs for varying textures and flavors.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as parsnips, leeks, or pearl onions, to make the dish more vibrant and diverse.
• Wine Swap: Although red wine, preferably Burgundy, is the classic choice, you can experiment with other reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for a unique twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by cutting the beef into chunks and seasoning with salt and pepper. Slice the carrots, onions, and garlic. Clean and slice the mushrooms, and chop the bacon or pancetta.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Bacon

In a large Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, cook the bacon or pancetta until crispy, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add a bit more olive oil or butter to the pot. Sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two.

Step 4: Add the Wine and Broth

Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then, add beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Braise the Beef

Return the browned beef and bacon to the pot. Cover the pot, and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours or until the beef is tender.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sauté the mushrooms in a separate pan with butter, then add them to the pot.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a simple roux by mixing flour and butter, then adding it to the stew. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Beef Bourguignon hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over egg noodles to soak up all the rich sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Braise Slowly: The key to tender beef Bourguignon is to let the beef cook slowly at a low temperature. This helps the meat break down and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
• Use Good Wine: The wine plays a big role in the flavor of the dish, so use a good quality red wine that you enjoy drinking.
• Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Browning the meat and vegetables helps to develop deeper flavors that elevate the dish.
• Let It Rest: If you have time, allow the stew to rest for a while before serving. Like most stews, it tastes even better the next day.

How to Serve

Beef Bourguignon is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty French bread. You can also pair it with a light green salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Freezing

Beef Bourguignon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan and heat on low until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

2. What kind of wine should I use?

Use a dry red wine, ideally Burgundy, but you can also use Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

3. Can I make this without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional beef broth or even a mix of broth and grape juice for a similar flavor profile.

4. Can I add potatoes to this dish?

Yes, you can add peeled and diced potatoes in the last hour of cooking for a heartier dish.

5. How do I prevent the beef from being tough?

Make sure to brown the beef in batches and cook it low and slow for the best texture.

6. Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms?

Yes, but fresh whole mushrooms tend to have more flavor, and you can slice them yourself.

7. How long should I cook this dish?

Braise the beef for 2-3 hours or until it’s fork-tender.

8. Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Use the sauté function for browning and cooking, and then set the pressure cooker on high for about 45 minutes.

9. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version.

10. What sides go well with Beef Bourguignon?

Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, and buttered noodles are all excellent sides.

Conclusion

Classic Beef Bourguignon is a comforting and luxurious dish that brings the flavors of France to your kitchen. With its rich wine-based sauce and tender beef, it’s perfect for special occasions or any time you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful stew. Whether you choose to serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or bread, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table. Don’t be intimidated by the long cooking time—your patience will be richly rewarded with a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

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