Name: Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes; 6 oz bacon, diced; 2 cups dry red wine; 2 cups beef broth; 3 carrots, sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Hey y'all! Ready to take your tastebuds on a trip to the heart of France? This Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew is the ultimate comfort food—ultra-tender beef, velvety red wine sauce, and aromatic veggies all come together in a slow-cooked masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just craving something cozy, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

Deep, savory flavors develop from slow simmering with red wine and herbs.
Perfect make-ahead meal for entertaining or meal prepping.

Tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth with every bite.
Pairs beautifully with rustic bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Impresses guests with minimal hands-on time!

Ingredients for Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir preferred)
2 cups beef broth

4 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 lb cremini or white mushrooms, quartered
20 pearl onions (fresh or frozen, peeled)

2 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Marinade

Place the beef cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the red wine over the beef, add the bay leaves and thyme, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Brown the Bacon and Beef

In a large Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain beef from marinade (reserve marinade), pat dry, and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the same pot and brown beef in batches, 2-3 minutes per side. Set browned beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion and carrots; cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute more.

Step 4: Build and Simmer the Stew

Return beef and bacon to the pot. Sprinkle flour over everything and toss to coat. Pour in the reserved wine marinade and beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Add mushrooms, pearl onions, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Notes for Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

For best results, marinate the beef overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Use a quality red wine you would enjoy drinking; it makes a significant difference in taste. Learn more about choosing the best wine for cooking.

If you can't find pearl onions, substitute with small shallots or extra chopped onions.

Variations on Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

Slow Cooker Version: Brown beef and sauté vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Vegetarian Bourguignon: Substitute beef with hearty mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes; use vegetable broth and skip bacon.

Gluten-Free Stew: Replace flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for thickening.

Required Equipment for Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Slotted spoon

Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls

Storage Instructions for Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

Let leftover stew cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty French bread.
Pair with a glass of the same red wine used in the stew for a classic touch.

Add a simple green salad with Dijon vinaigrette to lighten the meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Classic French Beef Bourguignon Stew

Brown your beef in batches for a deep, caramelized flavor—don’t overcrowd the pot. See more tips on how to brown meat properly.
Let the stew rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

For a silkier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cold butter right before serving.