Beef Bourguignon is a rich, hearty, and comforting French stew made with tender beef, red wine, and aromatic vegetables. This easy homemade version brings all the flavors of the classic dish in a simplified, stovetop-friendly recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & flavorful – Slow-simmered in red wine and beef broth.
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef – Cooked low and slow for ultimate tenderness.
- One-pot meal – Easy to make and minimal cleanup!
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef:
- Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
- Salt & black pepper
- Flour (for coating)
- Olive oil & butter (for searing)
For the Stew:
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Tomato paste (adds depth)
- Red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- Beef broth
- Thyme & bay leaf
- Bacon or pancetta (optional, for extra flavor)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Pat beef dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Lightly coat in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, cook bacon (if using) until crispy, then remove.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
Step 4: Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and seared beef.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove bay leaf and thyme stems.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon – Sear beef, then cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- No Wine? – Use extra beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Gluten-Free Version – Skip the flour or use cornstarch to thicken.
- Extra Hearty – Add potatoes or pearl onions.
- Shortcut Version – Use pre-cut stew beef and frozen veggies.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pot over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the best beef for this recipe?
Chuck roast, brisket, or stew meat works best for tenderness.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes! Use extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic or Worcestershire sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
What sides pair well with Beef Bourguignon?
Try mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or crusty bread.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the beef and veggies, then pressure cook on HIGH for 35 minutes.
How do I get the best flavor?
Let the stew simmer slowly to allow the flavors to deepen.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day.
What’s the best wine for this recipe?
Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon work best.
Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes, but the flavors won’t develop as deeply. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Can I add potatoes to the stew?
Yes! Add cubed potatoes in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Beef Bourguignon is rich, comforting, and packed with deep, savory flavors. Whether served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or with crusty bread, it’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today for a taste of classic French comfort food!
Print
Easy Homemade Beef Bourguignon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Easy Homemade Beef Bourguignon is a rich, savory, and comforting French stew, featuring tender beef slow-simmered in red wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs. Cooked on the stovetop in one pot, this dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion. Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles for a truly satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stewing beef (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging, optional but helps thicken the sauce)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Stew:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped (adds richness and depth of flavor)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth and richness)
- 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir for classic flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and depth)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup pearl onions or small shallots (optional, peeled and left whole)
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms (sliced or halved if large)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for a fresh finish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Sear the Beef
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
- Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour (if using).
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Aromatics
- In the same pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions, garlic, and carrots, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Return seared beef and bacon to the pot.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms & Pearl Onions (During the Last 30 Minutes)
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sauté mushrooms and pearl onions for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
- Stir them into the stew for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Mashed Potatoes – Classic and creamy.
- With Buttered Noodles – A delicious French-style pairing.
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- With Rice or Polenta – Another hearty option!
Notes
- No wine? Substitute with extra beef broth and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
- Want it thicker? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in at the end.
- Prefer slow-cooker? Sear the beef and cook everything on low for 6-8 hours.
- Make ahead: Tastes even better the next day!