Description
French Beef Bourguignon is a timeless classic that blends tender beef, rich Burgundy wine, and earthy vegetables into a comforting and elegant dish. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this slow-simmered recipe is bursting with deep, complex flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz frozen pearl onions
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups Burgundy red wine
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks if not pre-cut. Pat dry with paper towels to help it brown properly.
- Slice the mushrooms, peel and slice the carrots, and mince the garlic.
2. Brown the Beef
- Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the pot.
- Sauté the mushrooms, carrots, and pearl onions for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Create the Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Slowly pour in the Burgundy wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Combine and Simmer
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the bay leaf and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Check for Doneness
- After 2 hours, the beef should be fork-tender, and the sauce will have thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Notes
- Use quality Burgundy or any dry red wine that you enjoy drinking.
- To thicken the sauce further, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow-Simmering
- Cuisine: French