Name: Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 slices of bacon, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups red wine; 2 cups beef stock; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp thyme; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 12 pearl onions, peeled; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

There's something magical about a pot of Classic Beef Bourguignon simmering away on the stove. The savory aroma of tender beef, rich red wine, and earthy mushrooms fills your home, promising comfort in every bite. This French-inspired dish is a true labor of love, but don’t let that intimidate you—it’s well worth the effort.

I first made beef bourguignon for a special anniversary dinner at home. What started as a daunting culinary experiment quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s my go-to recipe for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weekend feast. Let me show you how to make this hearty and flavorful dish step by step.

Why You'll Love This Classic Beef Bourguignon

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as luxurious as it is satisfying. Classic Beef Bourguignon combines old-world flavors with a rustic charm that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

First, this dish is a masterclass in tender, slow-cooked beef. The meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft after hours of braising in red wine and aromatic herbs. Each bite is infused with layers of flavor that develop beautifully over time.

The rich, glossy sauce is the highlight. Made with dry red wine, beef stock, and just the right touch of tomato paste, it’s the perfect balance of depth and brightness. Ladle it generously over buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

This recipe is also perfect for entertaining. It can be made ahead of time and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Serve it with a side of green beans or a simple salad for an elegant meal that feels effortless.

Finally, it’s a timeless dish with endless versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, beef bourguignon is a classic for a reason.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Classic Beef Bourguignon lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this unforgettable dish:

Beef Chuck Roast: Opt for a well-marbled cut like chuck or brisket. These tougher cuts are ideal for braising, as they become incredibly tender after slow cooking. Cut the beef into 2-inch cubes for the perfect bite-sized pieces.

Red Wine: A key ingredient in the sauce, dry red wine like a Burgundy or Pinot Noir works best. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, as it plays a starring role in the dish’s flavor profile.

Mushrooms: Baby Bella or cremini mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the richness of the beef and sauce. Slice them thickly to hold up during the long cooking process.

Pearl Onions: These sweet, small onions bring a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sauce. You can use frozen pearl onions for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Tomato Paste and Garlic: A few tablespoons of tomato paste and freshly minced garlic add complexity and a touch of brightness to the sauce.

Special Equipment: A large Dutch oven is ideal for browning the beef and slow cooking everything in one pot. You’ll also need a slotted spoon and a fine mesh strainer for skimming and straining.

How to Make This Classic Beef Bourguignon

Creating Classic Beef Bourguignon is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Follow these steps to ensure success:

Brown the Beef: Begin by patting the beef dry and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring each piece develops a golden crust. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize. Stir in the tomato paste and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly, then return the beef to the pot.
Add Broth and Herbs: Stir in beef broth, a bay leaf, and a bundle of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F. Let it braise for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Pearl Onions: While the beef cooks, sauté the pearl onions in a bit of butter and sugar until caramelized. Set them aside to add during the final stages of cooking.
Finish and Serve: After 2-3 hours, the beef should be fork-tender, and the sauce thickened. Stir in the pearl onions, check for seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.

This recipe takes about 3.5 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is hands-off. The result? A show-stopping dish worth every second.

Storage Options

One of the best things about Classic Beef Bourguignon is how well it stores. Here’s how to enjoy it later:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Freezing: Freeze the dish in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Variations and Substitutions

Classic Beef Bourguignon is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Protein Swap: Try using lamb or pork shoulder for a unique twist. Both cuts braise beautifully and take on the wine’s flavors well.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like butternut squash, parsnips, and extra mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a plant-based take.
Wine-Free Version: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the beef broth and tomato paste are gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free noodles or mashed potatoes.

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand!

Embrace the timeless elegance of Classic Beef Bourguignon and let it transport you to the French countryside. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Bon appétit!