Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and fills your home with delicious aromas, look no further than this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. Imagine tender beef simmering in a rich and tangy apple vinegar sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. It’s a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

What makes this beef bourguignon recipe so dear to my heart is its versatility. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a holiday feast, this classic French dish never disappoints. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this comforting dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have more time to enjoy with loved ones.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone will love the hearty flavors and tender meat.
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for prepping in advance; just reheat and serve!
• Rich, delicious flavor: The combination of ingredients creates a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible.
• Perfect for gatherings: This dish shines on special occasions or cozy family nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a stunning dish. Gather these items from your kitchen or local grocery store, and let’s get cooking!

For the Dish

• 5 strips bacon, cut into 1 pieces
• 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2 pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 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
• 10 oz frozen pearl onions, defrosted and drained
• 16 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
• kosher salt
• freshly cracked pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to make it your own with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness.
• Change up the vinegar: Experiment with different types of bold vinegars to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dishes.

How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that when we transfer our pot into the oven later, it will be at the right temperature for slow cooking.

Step 2: Render the Bacon

Add the chopped bacon to your 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Cook it until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a bowl. This process not only adds flavor but also creates some tasty fat that we’ll use for searing the beef.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Season those beautiful cubes of beef with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Be sure not to crowd the pan; doing this in batches helps achieve that perfect sear that locks in flavor.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Lower the heat back down to medium and add two tablespoons of butter into the pot. Once melted, add in your chopped onions and carrots. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften, then throw in that minced garlic for another minute. Adding tomato paste next will deepen our sauce’s flavor—cook it until darkened before sprinkling in flour to help thicken everything up!

Step 5: Add Vinegar, Stock, and Herbs

Pour in your apple vinegar while scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot—a crucial step for building flavor! Then add in beef stock along with bouillon and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Return both beef and bacon back into the pot along with thyme and bay leaves before covering it up and popping it into your preheated oven.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

After about 2 1/2 hours of cooking, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once foamy, toss in your quartered mushrooms until they’re golden brown—this enhances their flavor! Add pearl onions next and season with salt and pepper as they cook alongside mushrooms for about five more minutes.

Step 7: Final Cooking Phase

Take out your Dutch oven from the oven carefully! Stir in those delightful mushrooms and pearl onions we just sautéed back into our bourguignon mix. Return it covered again to cook until everything is wonderfully tender—this should take another 45-60 minutes. Before serving, let it rest covered for about half an hour; trust me on this one—it makes all flavors come together beautifully!

Enjoy creating this masterpiece! The warmth from each bite will surely make you feel at home.

Pro Tips for Making Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Creating a delicious beef bourguignon can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and these pro tips will help you achieve perfection!

• Choose the Right Cut: Opt for beef chuck as it becomes tender during the long cooking process. It’s perfect for braising and will absorb all those wonderful flavors.

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when searing the beef and vegetables. Browning adds depth of flavor to your dish, enhancing its richness.

• Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your final dish will taste. Invest in high-quality apple vinegar and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

• Let it Rest: Once removed from the oven, let your beef bourguignon sit covered for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an even more satisfying dish.

• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste your bourguignon before serving to ensure it’s seasoned just right. A sprinkle of salt or a dash more pepper can elevate it to perfection!

How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Serving your classic beef bourguignon can be just as delightful as preparing it. Here are some thoughtful suggestions to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors.
• Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme placed on top not only look appealing but also reinforce the herbaceous notes in your dish.

Side Dishes

• Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up the savory sauce, crusty bread is an essential accompaniment to beef bourguignon.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that complements the rich stew beautifully.

• Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds add a crunchy texture and a refreshing contrast to the hearty beef.

• Simple Salad: A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing palate cleanser that balances out the richness of the main dish.

With these tips and serving ideas, your classic beef bourguignon recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every mouthful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This classic beef bourguignon recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it a day in advance, as the flavors deepen and improve overnight. Here are some tips on how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the beef bourguignon to cool completely.
• Transfer it into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, portion out servings before freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make a Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the bacon or replace it with diced turkey bacon or smoked tofu for a similar flavor profile.

What makes this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe special?

This recipe features tender beef simmered in a rich apple vinegar sauce, which brings a unique depth of flavor that elevates this classic French dish.

How do I ensure my beef is tender in the Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Searing the beef well and allowing it to slow cook for several hours helps break down tough fibers, resulting in perfectly tender meat.

Can I add other vegetables to my Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or even bell peppers to customize your dish.

What should I serve with Classic Beef Bourguignon?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this classic beef bourguignon recipe as much as I do! It’s truly a comforting meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me—I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Happy cooking!