Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this classic beef bourguignon recipe is just what you need! Perfectly tender beef simmered in a rich apple vinegar sauce creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that not only impresses your family but also warms their hearts. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this dish brings everyone together around the table.

What makes this beef bourguignon special is its deep flavors and comforting essence—perfect for those moments when you want to create something truly memorable without too much fuss. Plus, it’s an excellent option for meal prep, allowing the flavors to deepen as it sits!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The combination of tender beef and rich sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Perfect for gatherings: This recipe serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy your company.
• Flexible ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste!
• Simple steps: With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can master this classic dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this classic beef bourguignon recipe shine! These are simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll find in most kitchens. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

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

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Burgundy apple vinegar, or another 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 the Finish

• 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or hearty vegetables like eggplant for a lighter twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness.
• Change the vinegar: Experiment with different types of apple vinegar for unique flavor profiles.
• Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika can add an exciting dimension to the sauce.

How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that when you put your pot in later, it’s ready to go!

Step 2: Render the Bacon

Add the chopped bacon to your 5 qt dutch oven over medium-low heat. Cook until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally. This step adds fantastic flavor and fat to cook the other ingredients in! Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a small bowl.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Season those lovely cubes of beef with salt and pepper. Increase the heat on the dutch oven to medium-high and sear each piece until beautifully browned on all sides. Don’t rush this—browning enhances flavor! Remove from pan once done.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Reduce heat back down to medium and add two tablespoons of butter. Toss in your onions and carrots; sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start softening. Then add garlic and cook for another minute. Next up is tomato paste—cook it until darkened slightly, then sprinkle flour over top and stir well. This mixture will thicken your sauce beautifully!

Step 5: Add Vinegar, Stock, and Herbs

Pour in the apple vinegar while scraping any browned bits from the bottom—this is where loads of flavor hides! Add in stock and bouillon before bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Pop that beef (and bacon) back into the pot along with thyme and bay leaves before covering it up tightly and transferring it into your preheated oven.

Step 6: Incorporate Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

After about 2 ½ hours of cooking time, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms first; sauté until browned before tossing in pearl onions for another few minutes until perfectly caramelized. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove your masterpiece from the oven and stir in those delicious mushrooms and onions. Put it back into that warm oven until everything is meltingly tender—around another 45-60 minutes will do nicely! Once out, let it rest covered for about half an hour before serving so all those flavors can meld together perfectly.

Now you’re ready to enjoy every bite of this comforting classic beef bourguignon recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Making a perfect beef bourguignon is all about technique and patience, so here are some tips to help you create an unforgettable dish!

• Use quality beef – Opt for a well-marbled chuck roast, as the fat content will keep the meat tender and juicy during the long cooking process.

• Don’t rush the browning – Take your time to sear the beef and bacon properly. This step adds depth of flavor through caramelization, which is essential for a rich sauce.

• Adjust seasoning gradually – Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste as you go. This allows you to control the flavor profile and ensures your dish doesn’t end up too salty or bland.

• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the dish to sit covered for 30 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together and makes it easier to serve.

• Make it a day ahead – If time allows, prepare this dish a day in advance. Reheating enhances the flavors even more, making it taste like it’s been simmering for hours!

How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Serving beef bourguignon is all about presentation and enhancing its comforting flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley – A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances out the richness of the stew.
• Chopped green onions – Offering a mild onion flavor, chopped green onions provide a nice crunch when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

• Crusty French bread – Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce, crusty bread is an essential side that complements this hearty dish beautifully.
• Mashed potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making each bite of beef bourguignon even more satisfying.
• Buttered egg noodles – These tender noodles are another fantastic option for soaking up the sauce while adding a comforting touch to your meal.
• Steamed green beans – Bright green beans add color and a refreshing crunch to the plate, balancing out the richness of the beef stew.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your classic beef bourguignon will not just be a meal; it will be an experience that warms hearts and brings everyone together around the table! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This classic beef bourguignon recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy the deep flavors that develop over time.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the beef bourguignon cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about our classic beef bourguignon recipe!

Can I make this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. The richness from the beef and the sauce will still shine through.

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

The dish is ready when the beef is fork-tender and has absorbed all those delicious flavors from the sauce. A cooking time of around 3 to 4 hours should achieve this perfect tenderness.

Can I substitute apple vinegar in this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have apple vinegar, feel free to use another type of bold vinegar like red wine vinegar. Just be sure to taste and adjust as needed for acidity.

What can I serve with Classic Beef Bourguignon?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope this classic beef bourguignon recipe brings warmth and joy to your table! It’s a comforting dish that’s wonderfully rich and perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at making this delightful recipe; I’m sure you’ll love every mouthful! Happy cooking!