How to Create a Savory Beef Bourguignon in Simple Steps
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world. It’s a delicious, hearty stew made with tender beef, red wine, vegetables, and herbs. While it may sound fancy and complicated, making Beef Bourguignon at home is actually quite straightforward. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to prepare this comforting dish, even if you’re not a seasoned chef.
Let’s get cooking!
What is Beef Bourguignon?
Beef Bourguignon (pronounced “boor-gee-nyawn”) is a decadent beef stew originating from the Burgundy region of France. The recipe traditionally uses beef slow-cooked in red wine, along with vegetables like onions, carrots, and mushrooms. The long cooking process makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the wine and herbs create a rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the ingredients. For a classic Beef Bourguignon, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds (1 kg) of beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 strips of bacon, roughly chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp of flour
- 2 cups of dry red wine (like Pinot Noir or Merlot)
- 2 cups of beef stock
- 2 tbsp of tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp of dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
- 1 cup of button mushrooms, halved
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
You’ll also need a heavy pot or Dutch oven for cooking. If you have a slow cooker, you can use that as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Start by preparing the beef. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides – the goal is to sear the outside to lock in flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary. Once the beef is browned, remove it and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Veggies
In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and let it cook until crispy. This will add a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. Remove the bacon and set it aside with the beef.
Now, toss the carrots, onion, and garlic into the pot. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. These veggies will form the flavorful base of your Beef Bourguignon.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir the flour well – this will help thicken the stew later. Next, pour in the red wine and beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any stuck-on bits, known as “fond.” These bits are packed with flavor!
Add the tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir until everything is well combined. You’ll notice the sauce starting to come together – it smells amazing already!
Step 4: Add the Beef and Bacon Back
Return the browned beef chunks and crispy bacon to the pot. Stir everything gently to coat the meat with the flavorful sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Slow Cooking
This step is what makes Beef Bourguignon so tender and delicious. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
As the stew cooks, the beef will absorb all the amazing flavors from the sauce, wine, and herbs. Stir the pot occasionally and check if the beef is becoming tender.
Step 6: Cook the Mushrooms
While the beef is simmering, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the halved mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set them aside.
When the beef is almost done cooking, stir the mushrooms into the stew.
Step 7: Final Touches
After the beef has cooked to perfection, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf (and thyme sprigs if you used fresh thyme).
For a shiny, professional-looking finish, you can garnish the dish with fresh parsley right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Bourguignon pairs beautifully with simple side dishes. Serve it with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty French bread
- Egg noodles
- Rice
The comforting, rich flavors of the stew will complement any of these options.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Wine: Use a good-quality red wine for cooking, but don’t break the bank! A dry wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot works best.
- Take Your Time: Beef Bourguignon tastes better when cooked slowly. Don’t rush it – the longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will be.
- Batch Cooking: Feel free to make a big pot and store leftovers in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight!
Conclusion
Making Beef Bourguignon at home is all about patience and love. While it’s a dish that requires time, the steps are simple, and the results are worth the effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this savory stew will be a hit every time.
So grab your ingredients, pour a glass of wine for yourself, and enjoy creating this iconic French dish. Bon appétit!
