Boeuf Bourguignon Recipe – European Special

Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic French beef stew that epitomizes slow-cooked comfort food. Tender beef cubes are braised in red wine with carrots, onions, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. This slow-cooked beef recipe delivers deep, hearty flavors and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread. As a classic French comfort food, Boeuf Bourguignon is ideal for family dinners, festive gatherings, or any occasion where a hearty winter stew is welcome.

  • Prep Time30 min
  • Cook Time2 hr 30 min
  • Total Time3 hr

Boeuf Bourguignon Ingredients:

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 150g (5 oz) bacon, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups red wine (Burgundy preferred)
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 200g (7 oz) button mushrooms, halved
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Boeuf Bourguignon Instructions:

1

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).

2

In a heavy-bottomed ovenproof pot, cook diced bacon until crisp; remove and set aside.

3

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper; brown in the rendered bacon fat and olive oil in batches.

4

Remove beef; sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.

5

Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1–2 minutes.

6

Return beef and bacon to the pot; pour in red wine and beef stock. Add thyme and bay leaves.

7

Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to oven.

8

Braise for 2–2.5 hours until beef is tender.

9

In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until golden; add to stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

10

Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley.

11

Serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.

Recipe Notes :

Wine Choice: A Burgundy or Pinot Noir works best for wine-braised beef; any dry red wine will suffice.

Make Ahead: Boeuf Bourguignon tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Vegetable Variations: Add pearl onions or parsnips for extra texture and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread for a complete gourmet home cooking experience.

Cooking Tip: Ensure the beef is browned in batches to lock in flavor for a richly flavorful French dish.