Classic Beef Bourguignon – French Comfort Dinner Recipe
Introduction
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of France with Beef Bourguignon, a timeless classic that embodies the essence of French comfort cuisine. This rich, hearty stew marries tender beef with the robust flavors of red wine, creating a dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. As we delve into this beef bourguignon French stew comfort food dinner recipe red wine beef holiday stew, prepare to be transported to the rustic countryside of Burgundy.
Why is it Perfect for You?
Beef Bourguignon is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
◾ Depth of Flavor: The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a complex and satisfying taste.
◾ Versatility: Perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a festive holiday gathering.
◾ Impressive Yet Simple: While it may sound fancy, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
◾ Comforting: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this stew on a chilly evening.
◾ Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for busy hosts.
Ingredients List
◾ 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
◾ 8 oz bacon, diced
◾ 2 medium onions, sliced
◾ 3 carrots, sliced
◾ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◾ 1 bottle (750 ml) full-bodied red wine (preferably Burgundy)
◾ 2 cups beef stock
◾ 1 tbsp tomato paste
◾ 1 bouquet garni (thyme, parsley, and bay leaf)
◾ 8 oz pearl onions, peeled
◾ 1 lb button mushrooms, quartered
◾ 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
◾ 3 tbsp butter
◾ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
◾ Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This ensures a beautiful sear. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Working in batches, sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing that deep, rich flavor we’re after. Once done, set the beef aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the sliced onions and carrots until they start to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point will be absolutely intoxicating!
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Now comes the magic. Pour in that bottle of red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those flavorful bits. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, and bouquet garni. Return the beef and bacon to the pot, bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for about 2.5 hours.
Step 5: Prepare the Pearl Onions and Mushrooms
While the stew is in the oven, sauté the pearl onions and mushrooms in butter until golden brown. Set aside.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is tender, remove the stew from the oven. In a small bowl, mash together the butter and flour to create a beurre manié. Stir this into the stew to thicken the sauce.
Step 7: Final Touches
Add the sautéed pearl onions and mushrooms to the stew. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes on the stovetop. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Nutritional Information
While Beef Bourguignon is undoubtedly indulgent, it also provides a good balance of nutrients:
◾ High in protein from the beef
◾ Rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables
◾ Contains antioxidants from the red wine
Calories per Person
Approximately 650-750 calories per serving, depending on portion size.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To lighten up this classic dish:
◾ Use lean beef cuts and reduce the amount of bacon
◾ Increase the vegetable content
◾ Use a low-sodium beef stock
◾ Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes
Serving Suggestions
Beef Bourguignon pairs wonderfully with:
◾ Crusty French baguette
◾ Creamy mashed potatoes
◾ Buttered egg noodles
◾ Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Skipping the searing step
◾ Using a wine you wouldn’t drink
◾ Rushing the cooking process
◾ Overcrowding the pan when browning the beef
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Beef Bourguignon actually improves with time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef stock if needed.
FAQs
Can I make Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
What’s the best wine to use for Beef Bourguignon?
Traditionally, a red Burgundy wine is used. However, any full-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône works well. Always use a wine you’d enjoy drinking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, many chefs prefer to make Beef Bourguignon a day in advance as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Conclusion
Mastering Beef Bourguignon is like holding a piece of French culinary history in your hands. This classic dish, with its rich flavors and comforting warmth, is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty meal, this beef bourguignon French stew comfort food dinner recipe red wine beef holiday stew will never disappoint. Bon appétit!
Contact Us
Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
