Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish to warm your heart and home, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This classic beef bourguignon recipe is a beloved favorite of mine, and it’s sure to become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire. With tender pieces of beef simmered in a rich apple vinegar sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings and holiday feasts.

What makes this recipe truly special is the way it combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, inviting everyone to gather around the table. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of apple vinegar and fresh herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty meal warms you from the inside out.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
• Family Favorite: With its tender meat and delicious sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic beef bourguignon recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have on hand already! 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 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

Add-Ins

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or lamb for a different twist on flavors.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Go vegetarian: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth for a plant-based version.

How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly once it’s ready to go in.

Step 2: Render the Bacon

Begin by adding the chopped bacon to your 5 qt dutch oven over medium-low heat. As it cooks, it will release its fat and turn golden brown. This step is crucial because it adds incredible flavor to your dish. Once browned, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a small bowl.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Next, season those beautiful cubes of beef with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Increase the heat on your dutch oven to medium-high and sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides. This caramelization adds depth and richness to your bourguignon. If necessary, do this in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Once done, remove the beef from the pot.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Lower the heat back down to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in your chopped onions and carrots, stirring often for about 2-3 minutes. Then add garlic; cook just until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste while cooking until it darkens slightly—this enhances its flavor! Finally, sprinkle flour over everything; cooking this mixture helps thicken your sauce later on.

Step 5: Add Apple Vinegar, Stock, and Herbs

Pour that tangy apple vinegar into the pot! Use a silicone spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom—it’s where all that flavor hides. Stir in your beef stock along with bouillon; bring everything to a simmer before adding back in that beautiful seared beef and crispy bacon along with thyme and bay leaves. Cover this aromatic goodness and transfer it straight into your preheated oven. Let it cook low and slow for about 2 1/2 hours.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

Around that magic 2½ hour mark, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until foamy. Toss in quartered mushrooms—let them brown beautifully before adding pearl onions for another five minutes until they’re golden too! Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once your bourguignon is out of the oven after those long hours of cooking bliss, stir in those sautéed mushrooms and onions gently into the mix. Return it back into the oven; let everything meld together until that beef is fall-apart tender—an additional 45-60 minutes should do it! After removing from heat, cover it up again for about half an hour before serving so those flavors can settle even further.

And there you have it! Serve warm alongside crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Making the perfect beef bourguignon is all about patience and attention to detail, so here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Using beef chuck is ideal as it becomes tender and flavorful during the long cooking process. Avoid lean cuts that may dry out.

• Let the flavors develop: Allowing the ingredients to sauté properly enhances the overall flavor. Don’t rush this step; caramelizing the vegetables and browning the meat will make a huge difference.

• Use a heavy pot: A good-quality Dutch oven retains heat evenly, which is crucial for slow-cooking dishes like this one. It helps achieve that rich depth of flavor you’re aiming for.

• Don’t skip resting time: After cooking, let your beef bourguignon rest covered for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a more cohesive dish.

• Make it ahead of time: Beef bourguignon tastes even better the next day! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently before serving to allow those flavors to deepen.

How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

When it comes to serving your classic beef bourguignon, presentation can elevate this comforting dish into something truly special. Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or thyme leaves: A sprinkle of these herbs adds a touch of freshness and color, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Adding sliced green onions on top provides a nice crunch and contrast to the tender meat.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of fresh baguette or sourdough is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce, making every bite even more enjoyable.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with the hearty stew.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables add another layer of flavor while keeping things healthy.
• Green salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the richness of the beef bourguignon.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your classic beef bourguignon will not only be delicious but also impressively presented! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This classic beef bourguignon recipe is perfect for meal prep! With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s a dish that tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal candidate for cooking in advance.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Have some questions about this classic beef bourguignon recipe? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that can help you out.

Can I use a different type of vinegar for this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

While apple vinegar gives a wonderful depth of flavor, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar if necessary. However, the taste will differ slightly from the traditional recipe.

How can I make this Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine when sautéing your vegetables and finishing the dish.

What should I serve with Classic Beef Bourguignon?

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even over egg noodles to soak up that delicious sauce!

Final Thoughts

This classic beef bourguignon recipe is truly special, bringing warmth and comfort to any table. It’s a fantastic way to share hearty meals with loved ones during holidays or cozy gatherings. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!