Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

As far as French cuisine goes, this classic beef bourguignon recipe is a must-make! Tender beef swimming in a rich apple vinegar sauce is perfect for gatherings and special occasions. This dish offers a unique blend of flavors that will impress your guests, satisfying both the palate and the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavors: The combination of beef, apple vinegar, and herbs creates a deep flavor profile.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this dish is accessible even for novice cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Ideal for Gatherings: Perfect for family dinners or holiday celebrations, allowing you to serve multiple guests easily.
• Comforting Meal: Enjoy the warmth of hearty ingredients that evoke feelings of home and comfort.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious classic beef bourguignon recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 5 qt Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Silicone spoon
• Skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• 5 qt Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking, this pot retains heat well and enhances flavor.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove cooked Turkey Bacon without excess grease.
• Silicone spoon: Perfect for scraping up browned bits from the pot without damaging its surface.
• Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables to achieve perfect caramelization before combining with other ingredients.

Ingredients

For this classic beef bourguignon recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meat and Bacon

• 5 strips Turkey Bacon, cut into 1 pieces
• 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2 pieces

For the Vegetables and Flavor Base

• 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

For the Cooking Liquid

• 2 cups Burgundy apple vinegar, or other bold red apple vinegar
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon beef bouillon

For Seasoning and Garnish

• 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

How to Make Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for slow cooking.

Step 2: Render the Turkey Bacon

• Add the chopped Turkey Bacon to your Dutch oven.
• Cook over medium-low heat until it browns and releases some fat.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set aside in a small bowl.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

• Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
• Increase heat to medium-high; sear beef on all sides until browned. You may need to do this in batches.
• Remove seared beef from the pot.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

• Lower heat to medium; melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot.
• Add chopped onions and carrots; sauté for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently.
• Stir in minced garlic; cook for another minute.
• Add tomato paste; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until darkened in color.
• Sprinkle flour over mixture; stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Herbs

• Pour apple vinegar into the pot; use your silicone spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add beef stock and bouillon; bring mixture to a simmer.
• Return beef and Turkey Bacon back into the pot along with thyme and bay leaves. Cover with a lid, then transfer to the oven. Cook for 2.5 hours.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

• Around the last half-hour mark, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once hot, add quartered mushrooms; cook until browned.
• Add pearl onions; sauté together for another 5 minutes until they brown. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Final Cooking Stage

Remove casserole from oven after initial cooking time ends. Stir in mushrooms and pearl onions into the Dutch oven. Return it to oven until beef is very tender (about another 45–60 minutes). Afterward, let it sit covered for about 30 minutes before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this classic beef bourguignon recipe!

How to Serve Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Serving a classic beef bourguignon recipe can elevate any dining experience. This rich and hearty dish pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and textures.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: A thick slice of sourdough or a fresh baguette is perfect for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve the beef bourguignon over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce.

Accompanied by Rice

• Fluffy White Rice: Light and fluffy rice allows the flavors of the beef and sauce to shine through without overpowering them.

On a Bed of Polenta

• Soft Polenta: Creamy polenta adds a comforting base that complements the robust flavors of the dish beautifully.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add color and nutritional balance to your meal.

With a Simple Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich beef bourguignon.

How to Perfect Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

To achieve the best results with your classic beef bourguignon recipe, consider these handy tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture for an unforgettable dish.

• Bold Flavor Base: Start with high-quality beef broth and apple vinegar for depth in flavor.
• Sear Properly: Ensure that you sear the beef on all sides until browned; this creates a flavorful crust.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves infuse the dish with aromatic notes that dried herbs cannot replicate.
• Slow Cook Well: Cooking slowly allows flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step in the oven.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish rest covered for 30 minutes before serving helps enhance flavors and tenderness.
• Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as necessary for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your classic beef bourguignon recipe can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic that perfectly complement the richness of the beef.
2. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs enhances flavors while adding texture.
3. Roasted Root Vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provides sweetness.
4. Creamy Polenta: Smooth polenta adds a comforting touch, soaking up all those delicious juices from the beef.
5. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans offer freshness and crunch against the hearty stew.
6. Cauliflower Gratin: Cheesy baked cauliflower adds richness while keeping things light alongside the main dish.
7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts until crispy adds depth and a delightful crunch.
8. Simple Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad dressed lightly offers brightness that balances the dish’s heaviness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Classic Beef Bourguignon recipe turns out perfectly, be aware of these common mistakes.

• Bold seasoning: Under-seasoning your beef leads to bland flavors. Always season your meat generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Bold heat management: Cooking on too high or too low heat can ruin the texture. Maintain medium-high heat for browning and medium for simmering.
• Bold timing: Cutting cooking time short will result in tough beef. Allow plenty of time for the beef to become tender, ideally 2 1/2 to 3 hours in the oven.
• Bold ingredient prep: Not preparing ingredients beforehand can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Chop all vegetables and measure out ingredients before starting.
• Bold moisture control: Adding too much liquid at the start makes for a soupy dish. Follow the recipe’s liquid measurements closely for the best consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil to retain moisture, reheating until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

A Classic Beef Bourguignon recipe is a traditional French stew made with tender beef braised in a rich sauce of apple vinegar, herbs, and vegetables.

How long does it take to make Classic Beef Bourguignon?

The total time for this recipe is about 4 hours, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I customize my Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like potatoes or substitute with other types of meat such as lamb or turkey.

What should I serve with Classic Beef Bourguignon?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Beef Bourguignon recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough to adapt based on what you have on hand. Whether you are preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your choice of vegetables or sides!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Classic Beef Bourguignon

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Classic Beef Bourguignon is a heartwarming French stew that brings rich, comforting flavors to your dining table. This dish features tender beef slowly braised in a luscious apple vinegar sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and accompanied by sautéed pearl onions and mushrooms. Ideal for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also allows for delightful variations based on seasonal ingredients. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for any occasion, this Classic Beef Bourguignon will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for hearty comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 strips turkey bacon
• 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion
• 3 large carrots
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 cups bold red apple vinegar
• 2 cups beef stock
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a Dutch oven, cook chopped turkey bacon over medium-low heat until browned; remove and set aside.
3. Season beef with salt and pepper, sear in batches until browned, then remove from pot.
4. Sauté onions and carrots in butter until softened; add garlic, tomato paste, and flour.
5. Pour in apple vinegar and beef stock; return bacon and beef to the pot with thyme and bay leaves.
6. Cover and bake for 2.5 hours.
7. In the last half hour, sauté mushrooms and pearl onions; stir into the stew before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg