Name: Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489911H44S
Total time: PT-489911H44S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 1½ cups red wine; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt & pepper to taste

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If you’re yearning for a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe fits the bill perfectly. This classic French stew brings together tender cubes of beef, earthy mushrooms, vibrant carrots, and rich red wine, all slow-simmered until every ingredient melts into a harmonious, deeply flavorful masterpiece. Whether it’s a special Sunday dinner or a comforting weeknight treat, this dish never fails to impress with its luscious textures and comforting aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with different food ingredients. There are two medium-sized bowls in the center: one with raw red beef chunks, and the other with sliced mushrooms, small white onions, bright orange carrot pieces, and large yellow potato pieces arranged together. Around these, smaller white bowls hold a dark brown sauce, bright red dried peppers, white powder (likely salt or cornstarch), dark brown thick sauce, bright red liquid, orange-yellow paste, chopped green herbs, and a golden-yellow paste. A glass cup with dark brown liquid sits to the side. A woman's hand is lightly touching one of the bowls. The overall look is clean, colorful, and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, harmonizing into that signature rich stew everyone adores.

2 lbs beef chuck, cubed: The backbone of the dish, beef chuck is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef to develop deep, savory flavors.
1 onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base that complements the beef perfectly.
2 carrots, sliced: Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the stew.
2 cups mushrooms: Bring earthy depth and a satisfying meaty texture without overwhelming the dish.
2 cups beef broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that keeps the beef juicy and tender as it simmers.
1½ cups red wine: The heart of bourguignon, red wine infuses the stew with complex tartness and richness.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the stew’s flavor with a touch of umami and slight sweetness.
1 tsp thyme: Adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates the stew’s aroma and taste.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches until all pieces develop a lovely crust. This step is key to sealing in flavors and creating a rich stew base.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add diced onions, sliced carrots, and mushrooms. Let them cook until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms release their juices. This mixture forms a delightful fragrant foundation that gives your bourguignon body and warmth.

Step 3: Combine Wine, Broth, and Tomato Paste

Pour in the red wine and beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste and sprinkle thyme over everything. This powerful combination ties all ingredients together, enhancing the stew’s complexity and giving it that signature deep-red color.

Step 4: Simmer Slowly Until Tender

Return the browned beef to the pan, bring the mix to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for about 2½ to 3 hours. The slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to concentrate into a luscious, comforting stew.

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe

A white plate holds a two-layer dish placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a smooth, creamy white mashed potato spread in an uneven oval shape. On top of this is a thick stew with chunks of dark brown meat, orange carrot slices, and pieces of light brown mushrooms, all coated in a rich, shiny brown sauce that slightly spreads onto the plate. A small piece of meat sits beside the main pile on the right side of the plate. The lighting creates a warm and inviting look, with soft shadows under the plate and food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme will add a fresh, vibrant touch to your Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe. These simple garnishes brighten the plate and offer a lovely contrast to the stew’s richness.

Side Dishes

This stew shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette. The mash soaks up the flavorful sauce, while the bread provides a perfect crunchy counterpoint. Both options create a perfectly balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet elegant presentation, serve your bourguignon in individual cast iron pots or deep bowls. Layer the beef and vegetables at the bottom, then ladle the sauce generously on top. Adding a dollop of crème fraîche or a sliver of aged cheese on the side can add delightful richness and an extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe actually tastes better the next day, so don’t hesitate to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To enjoy this classic French stew later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It freezes beautifully and can be kept for up to 2 months while preserving its full flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to maintain tender beef and avoid drying out any components.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stovetop?

Absolutely! This Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe adapts perfectly to a crockpot—just brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

What type of red wine works best?

Choose a dry red wine you enjoy drinking, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot. The quality influences the stew’s depth, so a mid-range bottle works wonderfully without breaking the bank.

Can I substitute beef broth with something else?

If you don’t have beef broth, good-quality vegetable broth can be used, though it will slightly change the stew’s rich beefy flavor. Adding an extra dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can help maintain depth.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten, provided your broth and tomato paste don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.

How do I get the perfect beef tenderness?

Slow cooking at a gentle simmer is essential. Resist the urge to rush; the long cooking time breaks down the connective tissue, making the beef tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

Once you experience the comforting richness and elegant simplicity of this Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe, I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table and creates moments worth savoring. So grab your ingredients, slow things down, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic French treasure.

Chef MARTHA

Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need