Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both heartwarming and impressive, then this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe is just what you need! This beautiful French stew brings together tender beef, rich flavors, and a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe special is the use of bold apple vinegar, which adds a unique twist to the traditional beef bourguignon. It’s an inviting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, making it a favorite in my home. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The rich apple vinegar sauce envelops the tender beef, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is sure to impress your friends and family at dinner parties or holiday feasts.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare this stew in advance; it tastes even better the next day!
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need anything fancy—just wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether young or old, everyone loves a hearty beef stew!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking so enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need for this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe:

For the Base

• 5 strips bacon, cut into 1 pieces
• 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2 pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

For the Vegetables

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

For Flavor

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Burgundy apple vinegar, or other bold apple vinegar
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon beef bouillon
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves, dried or fresh

For Garnish

• 10 oz frozen pearl onions, defrosted and drained
• 16 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
• kosher salt
• freshly cracked pepper

Variations

This Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter twist on this classic dish.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some potatoes or parsnips to make it even heartier.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick!

How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven ensures that your stew will cook evenly and develop those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Render the Bacon

In your trusty 5 qt Dutch oven, add the chopped bacon over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it turns brown and releases its fat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a bowl. This step adds depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Next, season your cubes of beef with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear each piece until nicely browned on all sides. If you have a lot of meat, do this in batches! Browning the beef creates rich flavor through caramelization that will elevate every bite.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Lower the heat back down to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pot. Add chopped onions and carrots, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for another minute before adding tomato paste. Cook until it darkens slightly—this caramelization adds sweetness. Finally, sprinkle in flour and stir well; cooking this mixture allows it to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Add Apple Vinegar and Stock

Pour in the apple vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the pot; those little morsels hold tons of flavor! Next, add beef stock and bouillon while bringing everything to a simmer. Return your seared beef and bacon back into the pot along with fresh thyme and bay leaves, cover it up, and transfer it into your preheated oven. Let it cook slowly for about 2½ hours.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

Once your stew has been cooking for about two hours, melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add quartered mushrooms first until they are browned, then toss in pearl onions until they get some color too—about five more minutes! Season with salt and pepper before adding them back into your Dutch oven.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return your pot back into the oven until everything is super tender—this should take another 45-60 minutes. Once done, let it sit covered for about half an hour before serving. This resting time allows flavors to meld perfectly together!

And there you have it—a Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe that’s sure to warm hearts around your table! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Making a delicious beef bourguignon can feel a bit daunting, but with these handy tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a comforting masterpiece!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for beef chuck as it becomes tender during the slow cooking process. This cut is perfect for braising and will give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Let it simmer: Don’t rush the cooking process! Allowing the dish to simmer gently breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a richer flavor and more tender bites.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves add depth to your dish. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh herbs provide vibrant flavors that elevate your bourguignon.

• Don’t skip the browning: Searing the beef and vegetables before adding them to the pot caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their flavors. This step is key to achieving that classic bourguignon taste.

• Rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit covered for about 30 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully. It also makes serving easier, as the sauce will thicken slightly during this time.

How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Serving your classic beef bourguignon can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this French favorite beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens up each serving.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest will bring a surprising brightness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Crusty baguette: Perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce, a freshly baked baguette is an essential sidekick for this dish.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with beef bourguignon, making for a hearty meal.
• Roasted root vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized add both sweetness and texture alongside your beef.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Now that you know how to make and serve this classic beef bourguignon recipe, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting meal together! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the delightful flavors throughout the week. It stores well and can be easily reheated, making it an excellent choice for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the beef bourguignon cool down before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

Can I use red wine vinegar instead of apple vinegar in this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

While apple vinegar is recommended for its unique flavor, red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may alter the final taste slightly.

How do I know when my Classic Beef Bourguignon is done cooking?

The dish is ready when the beef is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. This typically takes around 2 1/2 to 3 hours of cooking time in the oven.

Can I add other vegetables to my beef bourguignon?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips according to your preference. Just remember they might require different cooking times so adjust accordingly.

Is this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe stores and reheats well, making it a wonderful option for meal prepping. Enjoy it over several days without losing its delicious flavors!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe! It’s not just about cooking; it’s about sharing warmth and comfort around the table with loved ones. With its rich flavors and tender beef, this dish truly shines during special occasions or cozy weeknights. Enjoy every bite and let me know how yours turns out—happy cooking!