Name: Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 ½ lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-1 ½ inch cubes; Kosher salt and pepper to taste; 4 ounces pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir); 3 cups beef broth; 1 bay leaf; 8 ounces pearl onions, fresh or frozen, peeled; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms or white mushrooms, halved or quartered; ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped; Thyme leaves, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you are craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite, this Beef Bourguignon Recipe is your go-to meal. Imagine tender chunks of beef slowly braised in rich Pinot Noir wine, mingling with earthy mushrooms and sweet pearl onions, creating a deeply flavorful stew that feels just like a cozy embrace on a chilly evening. This classic French favorite is surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for making ahead, and absolutely ideal for gatherings or quiet nights when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. Trust me, once you try this Beef Bourguignon Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with a rich dark brown stew, showing tender chunks of browned meat as the base layer. On top, there are soft white pearl onions scattered evenly, mixed with thick slices of light brown mushrooms that add texture. The stew has a glossy surface with visible herbs and spices floating. The pot is set on a cloth with grey and white stripes, surrounded by fresh green parsley on the left, and two orange carrots with small white bowls of salt and pepper on the right, all placed on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Here’s where the magic begins with some wonderfully simple but totally essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting color that makes this dish so irresistible.

2 ½ lbs beef chuck or stew meat: The star of the dish, choosing well-marbled beef ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after slow cooking.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
4 ounces pancetta or thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky richness that infuses the stew with depth.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Useful for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables without overpowering the flavors.
3 medium carrots: Sliced to add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
1 small yellow onion: Provides aromatic sweetness that softens beautifully during cooking.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried): A classic herb that adds fragrant earthiness.
6 cloves garlic: Minced for a subtle hint of warmth and depth.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and adds a lovely richness and subtle acidity.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving the stew its luscious texture.
3 cups dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir): The heart of the dish, bringing fruity complexity and tenderizing the beef.
3 cups beef broth: Balances the wine and creates a hearty, savory base for the stew.
1 bay leaf: Adds a gentle herbal note that rounds out the flavors.
8 ounces pearl onions: Sweet and tender, these little gems melt into the stew for added texture.
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms: Their umami richness complements the beef perfectly.
Fresh parsley and thyme leaves (for garnish): Brighten the dish visually and offer fresh herbal lifts with every bite.

How to Make Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

Start by patting your beef cubes dry; this is a simple but crucial step because it helps with browning. Season the beef generously with kosher salt and pepper. In a heavy Dutch oven, cook diced pancetta or bacon until crispy, then set it aside. Next, sear the beef in the rendered fat over medium-high heat, working in batches so you develop a gorgeous brown crust on all sides. This stage infuses your stew with deep, roasted flavors that form the foundation of this Beef Bourguignon Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Build the Base

After removing the beef, add a bit of olive oil if necessary and toss in the carrots, diced onion, and thyme. Let them cook gently until the onions soften and start to caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to awaken their flavors. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix well to coat everything evenly, which will help thicken the sauce later on.

Step 3: Deglaze and Combine

Slowly pour in the red wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step adds incredible depth and color to your sauce. Stir in the beef broth and add the bay leaf back into the pot. Return the seared beef and pancetta to the pot, bringing everything together before covering and placing it in a preheated 325°F oven. Let it cook low and slow for about 2½ to 3 hours, until the beef is so tender it almost falls apart with a fork.

Step 4: Cook Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

While your stew is nearing completion, sauté the pearl onions and mushrooms separately in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds beautiful caramelization and prevents them from becoming soggy. Stir them back into the stew during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking uncovered, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavors even more.

Step 5: Final Touches and Seasoning

Once you discard the bay leaf, taste your beautiful Beef Bourguignon Recipe and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should feel velvety and robust, perfectly coating every tender morsel of beef and vegetable. Serve piping hot and watch your guests delight in every spoonful.

How to Serve Beef Bourguignon Recipe

A white bowl is filled with two main layers: on the left side is a smooth, creamy layer of mashed potatoes, white and soft in texture, garnished with fresh green herbs. The right side has a rich brown stew with thick gravy showing tender chunks of beef, round orange carrot slices, whole small onions, and halved brown mushrooms, all mixed and shiny with the sauce. A silver spoon rests on the mashed potatoes, and the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface surrounded by whole brown mushrooms, fresh green parsley, white small onions, a striped cloth, and small bowls of salt, pepper, and green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley and thyme scattered over the top provide a vibrant contrast to the rich stew, adding a fresh, herbal brightness that elevates every bite. A sprinkle of fresh herbs also gives the dish a lovely pop of green, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Side Dishes

Beef Bourguignon is a dish begging for comforting sides. Classic mashed potatoes soak up the luscious sauce beautifully, while buttered egg noodles offer a silky texture pairing perfectly with the tender beef. Crusty artisan bread is another wonderful choice to help mop up every last drop of the deeply flavored stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve Beef Bourguignon in rustic bread bowls or over creamy polenta for a delicious departure from tradition. You can also plate it alongside roasted root vegetables for an elevated presentation that feels extra festive yet still comforting. No matter how you serve it, the rich, wine-laced sauce will shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about this Beef Bourguignon Recipe is that the leftovers only get better overnight. Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Pour cooled Beef Bourguignon into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its rich texture and flavors.

Reheating

Reheat gently either on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl with a cover to retain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming, and take care not to boil the stew so the beef stays tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for its balance of fat and tenderness, brisket or short ribs can also work well as long as they are cut into stew-sized pieces. The key is low and slow cooking to break down connective tissues.

Do I have to use red wine in Beef Bourguignon?

Traditionally, red wine such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir is used to create the characteristic depth of flavor. However, you can use white wine for a lighter variation or skip alcohol entirely and add extra beef broth with a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! The recipe includes instructions for both slow cooker and Instant Pot methods, making it versatile depending on how much time you have. Both methods produce wonderfully tender beef and flavorful sauce.

Should I peel the pearl onions before cooking?

Yes, peeling pearl onions is best for the smooth texture and to prevent any bitterness from the skins. If you buy frozen pearl onions, they often come pre-peeled, so those are a great time saver.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce ends up thinner than desired, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow steam to escape and the sauce to reduce. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of flour or cornstarch diluted in a little cold water and simmer gently until thickened.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s the perfect blend of comforting, impressive, and downright delicious, this Beef Bourguignon Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a classic that never fails to impress and offers incredible flexibility for cooking methods and serving options. Take your time with each step, enjoy the rich aromas that fill your kitchen, and get ready to savor a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home.

Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need