Description
Classic French beef bourguignon simmers with rich red wine and tender beef chunks, creating a hearty comfort meal. Slow-cooked perfection blends aromatic herbs, caramelized vegetables, and deep umami flavors you’ll savor with every delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stewing beef
- 6 slices bacon
Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 carrots
- 1 cup pearl onions or small shallots
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms
Seasonings, Liquids, and Others:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot excess moisture from beef cuts using disposable kitchen towels to ensure optimal browning and caramelization.
- Generously season meat with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then lightly coat with a thin layer of all-purpose flour for enhanced texture and rich flavor development.
- Warm a combination of olive oil and butter in a heavyweight enameled cast-iron vessel over robust medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment.
- Arrange beef pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and sear each side methodically for approximately 2-3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms, developing complex flavor compounds.
- Transfer beautifully browned meat portions to a separate holding plate, preserving the developed caramelized exterior and ensuring each piece maintains its individual character.
- Retain the flavorful fond accumulated in the cooking vessel, as these concentrated drippings will serve as a foundational element for building the dish’s profound depth and complexity.
Notes
- Always ensure the beef is completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in amazing flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast-iron pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning during the searing process.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef; cook in small batches to maintain high heat and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- For a leaner version, swap beef chuck with grass-fed beef or try using deer meat for a game-inspired twist on this classic French stew.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg