Skip to main content

Beef Bourguignon is a rich, slow-cooked French stew made with tender beef, crispy bacon, and a flavorful red wine sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A comforting classic that never disappoints

The Perfect Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 4 strips bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red wine (or substitute with beef broth)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Crisp the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: In the same pot, sear the beef cubes in the bacon fat until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring well.
  5. Slow Simmer: Return the beef and bacon to the pot, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  6. Serve & Garnish: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

3 tips for making the best Beef Bourguignon:

⿡ Sear the Beef Well – Browning the beef in batches helps lock in flavor and gives the stew a deep, rich taste. Don’t overcrowd the pan!

⿢ Let It Simmer Slowly – Low and slow cooking (for at least 2.5–3 hours) ensures the beef becomes fork-tender and absorbs all the flavors.

⿣ Enhance the Sauce – For extra depth, stir in a small knob of butter at the end or reduce the sauce slightly before serving for a thicker, silkier texture.

Conclusion:

Beef Bourguignon is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of rich flavors and tender textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy family meal, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With its slow-cooked perfection, it’s a timeless classic that will never go out of style. Enjoy every bite and savor the delicious results.

💡 Serving Suggestion: Enjoy over mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 3 hrs | Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins | Servings: 6 | Calories: ~550