Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish featuring tender beef simmered in red wine and served with vegetables. The dish is perfect for colder months, and this step-by-step guide and recipe will help you perfect your version. To make the dish, you need quality ingredients and critical steps like marinating the beef, browning it on all sides, adding the vegetables, and cooking it in the oven. Beef Bourguignon goes well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed rice, and leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

Mastering the Art of French Beef Bourguignon: A Classic Comfort Food

Introduction

Beef Bourguignon is a French classic that has stood the test of time. This dish is a hearty and comforting meal that features tender beef simmered in red wine and served with vegetables. It is a staple during colder months and can bring warmth to any table. To make this dish, you need to follow some critical steps and use quality ingredients. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide and recipe to help you perfect your Beef Bourguignon.

Ingredients

To make Beef Bourguignon, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef chuck roast cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 bottle of red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound of carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound of mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup of parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

The first step to preparing Beef Bourguignon begins with marinating the beef. To do this, you should take a large bowl and add the beef chunks, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Next, pour the bottle of red wine over the meat and stir to ensure that everything is well coated. Marinate overnight in the fridge.

Step 2: The Cooking Process

When you’re ready to start cooking, remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Save the marinade, onion, and garlic. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the beef in batches, making sure to brown it on all sides. Once browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Next, add the remaining butter to the Dutch oven, and reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and garlic from the marinade and cook until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mix and stir until everything is well combined.

Gradually start pouring in the marinade while whisking it with the flour mixture. Add the tomato paste and beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the Dutch oven to pick up any browned bits. Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.

Return the beef to the Dutch oven and bring everything to a simmer. Be sure to skim off any foam that appears on the surface. Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven and let it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. Check after 2 hours to ensure that the beef is cooked to a tender texture.

Step 3: Adding Vegetables

After you have confirmed that the beef is cooked, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and add the chopped carrots and mushrooms. Mix everything thoroughly and return the Dutch oven to the oven for an additional 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Finishing the Dish

After 30 minutes, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and discard the bay leaves. Give the dish a final sprinkle of chopped parsley and wait for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Bourguignon is delicious when served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed rice. Any leftover Beef Bourguignon can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Beef Bourguignon is a classic and delicious dish that is sure to please any crowd. With this step-by-step guide and recipe, you can now make your version that matches the authentic French taste. All you need is a little patience, quality ingredients, and a craving for classics French cuisine. Try this recipe today and enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of French Beef Bourguignon.