Beef Bourguignon Recipe: How to Make the Traditional French Stew at Home

A homemade beef bourguignon recipe brings the taste of French comfort food right to your kitchen. The dish might take a bit of time, but the result is worth every minute. Follow the recipe below to create a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds (900 g) beef chuck, cut into large cubes

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 6 ounces (170 g) bacon, chopped

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 carrots, sliced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 2 cups red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)

- 2 cups beef broth

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 2 bay leaves

- 8 ounces (225 g) small mushrooms, halved

- 1 tablespoon butter

- Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until all sides are seared. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot. Add the onion and carrots, and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bring out the flavor.

4. Add Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Pour in the red wine slowly while stirring, then add the beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for extra flavor.

5. Combine and Simmer: Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

6. Cook Mushrooms Separately: In a small pan, melt butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Stir them into the stew about 15 minutes before serving.

7. Serve: Remove bay leaves and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with bread or mashed potatoes.

Cooking a perfect beef bourguignon recipe takes patience and care. Here are some practical tips to make sure your dish turns out delicious every time.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use chuck or brisket for the best texture and flavor. These cuts have enough fat and collagen to stay juicy and become tender after slow cooking.

2. Brown the Meat Well: Don’t rush this step. Let the beef sear until a golden crust forms. This caramelization creates a deep, rich taste that builds the base of your stew.

3. Cook Low and Slow: Keep the heat low and give the stew time to develop its complex flavor. Slow cooking ensures the meat becomes soft and the sauce thickens naturally.

4. Use Good Wine: Always cook with a dry red wine you would enjoy drinking. The wine gives depth to the sauce and adds a beautiful, balanced richness to the beef.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown the beef in small batches to let each piece sear properly. If the pot is too full, the meat will steam instead of getting that flavorful crust.

6. Add Mushrooms Later: Wait until the final 15–20 minutes to add mushrooms. This keeps them firm and flavorful instead of soggy and overcooked in the sauce.

7. Rest Before Serving: Let the stew sit for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to settle for a smoother, richer texture.

When you try this tasty beef bourguignon recipe, you may end up with some leftovers. But don't worry. As long as you store it correctly, you can safe them to eat later. 

If you plan to eat the leftovers soon, place the cooled beef bourguignon in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat to keep the meat tender.

For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label it with the date, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A rich beef bourguignon recipe pairs perfectly with many comforting side dishes. Here are some delicious options to make your meal complete.

1. Mashed Potatoes – Soft and creamy potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully and balance the stew’s deep flavor.

2. Crusty French Bread – Warm, crisp bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, savory sauce.

3. Buttered Noodles – Smooth noodles make a comforting base and help capture the flavorful sauce with every bite.

4. Steamed Green Beans – Fresh and light, green beans add a bright touch that balances the richness.

5. Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts bring earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the beef.

6. Rice Pilaf – Soft, seasoned rice absorbs the thick sauce and makes every spoonful satisfying.

7. Cauliflower Mash – A light and creamy option that complements the rich stew without feeling heavy.

8. Garlic Bread – Crispy and fragrant, it adds a burst of flavor and texture to every bite.

9. Creamy Polenta – Smooth and buttery, it blends perfectly with the stew’s hearty sauce.

10. Simple Green Salad – Crisp greens and light dressing bring freshness to balance the deep flavors.

11. Roasted Potatoes – Golden and crispy on the outside, they add a delicious crunch beside the stew.

12. Sautéed Spinach – Quick and tender spinach gives a mild, earthy taste that complements the beef.

13. Buttered Peas – Sweet and soft peas provide a light, colorful contrast to the dark, rich stew.

14. Egg Noodles With Herbs – Fragrant and soft, they pair perfectly with the wine-infused sauce.

15. Grilled Asparagus – Smoky and slightly crisp, asparagus adds freshness and elegance to the plate.

With this beef bourguignon recipe and all the right sides, you can create a comforting meal that feels like dining in France, even from your own kitchen.