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Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Main Dishes

Classic Beef Bourguignon

As far as French cuisine goes, this Classic Beef Bourguignon is a must make! Tender beef swimming in a rich wine sauce--perfect for the holidays.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 strips bacon, cut into 1" pieces
  • 3 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2" pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Burgundy wine, or other bold red wine
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon beef bouillon
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves, dried or fresh
  • 10 oz frozen pearl onions, defrosted and drained
  • 16 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • kosher salt
  • freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat an oven to 350 F.
  • Render the bacon. Add the chopped bacon to your dutch oven. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and has released some of its fat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and transfer to a small bowl.
  • Sear the beef. Season the cubes of beef all over with salt and pepper. Increase the heat on the dutch oven to medium-high and sear the beef on all sides until browned. You may need to do this in batches. Remove the beef from the pan.
  • Saute the veggies. Decrease the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot and saute for 2-3 minutes, while stirring often. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until the paste has darkened in color. Once the tomato paste is ready, sprinkle the flour over the top and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly.
  • Add the wine, stock, and herbs. Add the wine to the pot and use a silicone spoon to work up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add in the beef broth and bouillon and bring to a simmer. Add the beef and bacon back to the pot, along with the thyme and bay leaves. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 1/2 hours.
  • Add the mushrooms and pearl onions. Around the 2 1/2 hour mark, melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and foamy, add the mushrooms and cook until browned. Add the pearl onions and cook for another 5 minutes, until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove the beef bourguignon from the oven and add the mushrooms and onions. Return to the oven until the beef is very tender, another 45-60 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave covered for 30 minutes before serving.