The Ultimate Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a classic beef bourguignon recipe transports you straight to the cozy kitchens of rural France.

Hearty aromas of red wine, tender meat, and caramelized vegetables promise a deeply satisfying meal.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this rustic dish, blending rich flavors with remarkable simplicity.

Slow-simmered beef becomes meltingly tender, absorbing complex layers of herbs and robust wine.

Mushrooms and pearl onions add delightful texture to this legendary stew.

Crisp bacon bits provide a smoky counterpoint that makes each spoonful irresistible.

Let this timeless recipe inspire you to create a soul-warming dinner that celebrates French culinary tradition.

Classic Beef Bourguignon Made Right

• Unlock Hearty Comfort: This beef bourguignon delivers soul-warming flavors that wrap you in delicious French countryside comfort, perfect for satisfying deep hunger cravings.
• Master Gourmet Techniques: Beginners can confidently create a sophisticated restaurant-quality dish with simple step-by-step instructions, transforming basic ingredients into an impressive meal.
• Flexible Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, dinner parties, or cozy weekend gatherings, this recipe accommodates different preferences and scales easily to serve multiple guests.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein-rich beef, vitamin-loaded vegetables, and complex flavors, this single-pot meal provides balanced nutrition without complicated preparation.

Ingredients For Classic Beef Bourguignon

• Beef Cubes: A hearty protein that becomes tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process.

• Onions, Garlic: These classic ingredients build a rich, deep flavor foundation for the dish.
• Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and add nutritional value to the stew.
• Mushrooms: Contribute an earthy texture and umami flavor to the final dish.

• Beef Broth, Grape Juice: Create a luxurious cooking liquid that tenderizes the meat and develops complex flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps with initial meat searing and provides a smooth cooking base.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a slight tangy richness to the sauce.
• Thyme, Bay Leaves: Classic herbs that infuse the stew with aromatic and traditional French cooking notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herb finish.

Step-By-Step Classic Beef Bourguignon Guide

Step 1: Sizzle Beef Cubes

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot over medium flame. Allow beef cubes to dance in the hot oil, turning them until each side develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Transfer the beautifully seared meat to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, swirl onions and garlic, letting their fragrance fill the kitchen.

Introduce carrots and let them mingle and soften for a few delightful minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Blend in tomato paste, sprinkling thyme and tucking in bay leaves.

Gently return the browned beef cubes back to their savory bath.

Step 4: Create Liquid Magic

• Beef broth
• Grape juice

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Allow the stew to simmer and transform, letting beef become meltingly tender over 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 5: Introduce Mushroom Magic

During the final 30 minutes, scatter mushrooms into the bubbling pot.

Taste and sprinkle salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish and Serve

Pluck out bay leaves, shower with fresh parsley, and serve this rich, comforting stew while steaming hot.

Tips For Classic Beef Bourguignon

• Select high-quality beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor in the stew.
• Brown meat thoroughly to develop deep caramelized notes and enhance overall taste profile.
• Slow-cook the beef bourguignon at low temperature to ensure meat becomes incredibly soft and absorbs surrounding wine and herb flavors.
• Add fresh mushrooms during final cooking stage to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate texture and earthy taste.
• Consider using chicken or vegetable broth as alternative liquid for lighter version if beef broth feels too heavy.

Alternative Versions Of Beef Bourguignon

• Vegetarian Bourguignon: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein chunks, using vegetable broth for a rich, meaty alternative.
• Lamb Bourguignon: Swap beef for tender lamb shoulder cubes, creating a robust Mediterranean-inspired variation with deeper flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of traditional flour for thickening, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Version: Reduce carrots, eliminate grape juice, and add extra mushrooms to lower overall carbohydrate content while maintaining classic stew characteristics.

Serving Suggestions For Classic Beef Bourguignon

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this rich beef bourguignon as the star of a hearty family meal, accompanied by crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate the stew in individual white porcelain bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and pair with a robust red wine from Burgundy for an authentic French dining experience.
• Rustic Comfort Meal: Create a complete one-pot feast by serving over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, allowing the tender beef and savory sauce to blend perfectly with the starch.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Cool and store leftovers in sealed containers, as this dish tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy families seeking delicious, convenient dining.

Proper Storage For Classic Beef Bourguignon

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate beef bourguignon for 3-4 days maximum, keeping it in shallow containers for faster cooling.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Chuck roast or beef shoulder are ideal because they have good marbling and become tender when slow-cooked, creating rich flavor and soft texture.

• Can I substitute grape juice with wine?

Traditional Beef Bourguignon uses red Burgundy wine, so red wine is recommended for authentic taste. If avoiding alcohol, beef broth with a splash of red wine vinegar can work.

• How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked?

The beef should be fork-tender and easily break apart when gently pressed. This typically happens after 1.5-2 hours of slow simmering, which allows collagen in meat to break down.

Rich Beef Bourguignon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty beef bourguignon from France combines tender meat, red wine, and aromatic herbs in a rich, comforting stew. Slow-cooked beef melts in your mouth, delivering deep flavors that transport you to the French countryside.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup grape or pomegranate juice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear beef cubes in a hot pot with olive oil until golden brown on all surfaces, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, caramelize onions and garlic until aromatic, releasing their deep flavors. Introduce carrots and sauté for approximately 3 minutes to soften.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves, stirring to distribute flavors evenly. Carefully return seared beef to the pot.
4. Pour beef broth and grape juice into the pot, allowing liquid to cover ingredients. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 hours at 325°F, ensuring meat becomes exceptionally tender.
5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently fold in sliced mushrooms, which will absorb the rich cooking liquid and contribute additional depth to the dish.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile. Remove bay leaves to prevent bitterness.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve piping hot, allowing guests to experience the robust, multilayered flavors of this classic French stew.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled beef cut like chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
• Pat beef cubes completely dry before searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in delicious juices.
• Allow extra cooking time if using tougher meat cuts, which will break down more slowly and become incredibly tender.
• Replace grape juice with red wine for traditional French-style bourguignon and deeper, more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg