Oh, stews! Is there anything more comforting? Seriously, when the weather turns chilly, I immediately start craving something warm and hearty. And for me, nothing beats a truly great French dish. I remember the first time I tried authentic French cuisine––it was life-changing! All those rich flavors… mwah! Chef’s kiss, you know? That’s why I’m SO excited to share my version of Classic Beef Bourguignon with you.
This isn’t just any beef stew, folks. We’re talking deep, complex flavors, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and a sauce that’s just begging to be soaked up with some crusty bread. This Classic Beef Bourguignon recipe is the real deal – a traditional preparation that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it foolproof, so even if you’re a beginner, you can totally nail this. Trust me, the aroma alone is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Okay, so why should you spend an afternoon making Classic Beef Bourguignon? Let me tell you:
- It’s deeply flavorful. I mean, seriously, the layers of taste are incredible!
- It’s impressive yet achievable. You’ll look like a total rockstar in the kitchen, but it’s not nearly as hard as it seems.
- It’s perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners. Date night? Sunday supper? This is your dish.
- It’s adaptable to different preferences. Don’t like mushrooms? Leave ’em out! Want to add potatoes? Go for it!
- It makes great leftovers. And honestly, it tastes even BETTER the next day. Hello, amazing lunch!
Ingredients for Classic Beef Bourguignon
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Classic Beef Bourguignon. Don’t skimp on quality here – it really makes a difference!
- 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 1/2 lb pearl onions, peeled
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Beef Bourguignon
Okay, a few notes on these ingredients! The wine is super important. A good quality dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir will give you the best flavor. If you can’t find Burgundy, don’t stress! Just grab another dry red – nothing too sweet, okay? And beef chuck? It’s gotta be chuck! It gets super tender as it braises. You *could* sub in other root veggies if you’re not a carrot person, but honestly, they add such a nice sweetness. Don’t skip ’em if you can! For more information on cooking techniques, check out how to braise meat.
How to Prepare Classic Beef Bourguignon: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, time to get cooking! Don’t be intimidated – this Classic Beef Bourguignon is totally doable if you follow these simple steps. I promise, it’s worth it!
Preparing the Beef and Vegetables for Classic Beef Bourguignon
First things first, preheat that oven to 325°F (160°C). Now, grab a big bowl and toss those beef cubes with the flour, salt, and pepper. Get it all nice and coated! Then, heat up the olive oil in your Dutch oven (or a large oven-safe pot) over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches – don’t overcrowd the pot, or it won’t brown properly. Set the browned beef aside, and then toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook ’em until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute – careful not to burn it!
Building the Flavor Base for Your Classic Beef Bourguignon
Now for the magic! Pour in that gorgeous red wine, and here’s the KEY STEP: scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot! That’s where all the flavor lives, trust me. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine all that goodness.
Slow Cooking Your Classic Beef Bourguignon to Perfection
Return the browned beef to the Dutch oven. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover the pot and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 3 glorious hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender. While it’s baking, sauté those pearl onions in butter until they’re golden brown. Set ’em aside for later. In the *last* 30 minutes of cooking, add the quartered mushrooms and those beautiful pearl onions to the stew. This gives them just enough time to cook without getting mushy.
Serving Your Delicious Classic Beef Bourguignon
Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Take the Dutch oven out of the oven and remove that bay leaf – nobody wants to bite into that! Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. The best way to serve this Classic Beef Bourguignon? With creamy mashed potatoes or some crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Classic Beef Bourguignon
Want to take your Classic Beef Bourguignon to the NEXT LEVEL? Of course you do! Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:
- Don’t skimp on the browning! Seriously, browning the beef properly is KEY for developing that rich, deep flavor.
- Use good quality wine. It doesn’t have to be super expensive, but make sure it’s something you’d actually *drink*.
- Let it rest overnight! I know, it’s hard to wait, but this stew tastes even BETTER the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully.
- Trim the beef chuck. Get rid of any large chunks of fat before you start. It’ll save you some skimming later on!
Classic Beef Bourguignon: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making Classic Beef Bourguignon? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:
What is the best cut of beef for Classic Beef Bourguignon?
Okay, this is important! You absolutely want to use beef chuck. It might seem tough at first, but trust me, as it braises, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Plus, it has just the right amount of marbling to create a rich sauce.
Can I make Classic Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker?
You bet! It’s super easy. Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies as directed, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5. Add the mushrooms and pearl onions during the last hour of cooking. Boom! Dinner is served. For more slow cooker recipes, check out our slow cooker recipes.
What wine should I use for Classic Beef Bourguignon?
A dry red wine is key! Traditionally, Burgundy is used, but a Pinot Noir works beautifully too. Just avoid anything too sweet or fruity. You want a wine that will add depth and complexity to the stew, not sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Your Classic Beef Bourguignon
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Classic Beef Bourguignon keeps like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Wanna freeze it? Go for it! It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of beef broth if it’s thickened up too much. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Classic Beef Bourguignon (Disclaimer: Nutritional information varies based on ingredients/brands and is not provided precisely.)
Okay, so here’s the deal: I can’t give you exact nutrition facts, since it really depends on what brands you use. But just keep in mind, this Classic Beef Bourguignon is rich and hearty, so enjoy it in moderation!
Enjoyed This Classic Beef Bourguignon?
Did you just make the most amazing Classic Beef Bourguignon EVER? I hope so! If you loved this recipe as much as I do, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share it with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest! Happy cooking!
