French-Style Beef Stew with Red Wine and Vegetables
a classic French stew that transforms humble ingredients into a dish of gourmet elegance. Tender beef, smoky bacon, hearty vegetables, and earthy herbs are slowly simmered in red wine until melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Rich, rustic, and deeply flavorful, this stew is the ultimate comfort food for cozy evenings or elegant gatherings.
Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy noodles, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luxurious sauce.
Why You’ll Love Beef Bourguignon
- Deep, layered flavor – red wine, herbs, and slow cooking create incredible richness.
- Comfort food with elegance – hearty enough for family dinner, refined enough for special occasions.
- Traditional French roots – a dish that connects you to generations of Burgundy cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups dry red wine (traditionally Burgundy, but any full-bodied red works)
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, halved
- 12 pearl onions, peeled
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the bacon: In a Dutch oven, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Brown the beef: Season cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion and carrots, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
- Thicken the base: Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir for 2 minutes.
- Deglaze & simmer: Slowly pour in wine, scraping up browned bits. Add beef stock, thyme, bay leaf, beef, and bacon. Bring to a simmer.
- Slow-cook: Cover and transfer to oven. Bake for 2.5 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Prepare garnish: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté mushrooms and pearl onions until golden (about 8 minutes).
- Finish the stew: Stir mushrooms and pearl onions into the pot during the last 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Discard thyme and bay leaf.
- Serve & enjoy: Spoon into bowls over mashed potatoes, noodles, or alongside crusty bread.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right cut: Chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs are best for long braising.
- Pick a wine you’d drink: Burgundy is traditional, but Pinot Noir or Cabernet also shine.
- Take your time: Low and slow cooking unlocks tenderness and depth of flavor.
- Use a Dutch oven: The heavy lid and even heat make it perfect for braising.
Serving Ideas
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Rustic crusty bread
- Polenta or rice
- Roasted root vegetables
Variations
- Vegetarian Bourguignon: Use mushrooms or lentils instead of beef.
- Slow cooker/Instant Pot: Adapt for modern convenience while keeping the flavor.
- Fusion twist: Add miso or soy sauce for extra umami depth.
The Heart of French Comfort Food
Originating in Burgundy, France, Beef Bourguignon began as a humble peasant dish designed to tenderize tougher cuts of beef through slow cooking in wine. Over time, it became a celebrated staple of French gastronomy, championed by chefs like Julia Child.
Today, it remains a dish that bridges rustic tradition with gourmet refinement—one that fills the kitchen with its rich aroma and brings people together around the table.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450 kcal
Beef Bourguignon (French Beef Stew)
Ingredients: Beef chuck, bacon, onion, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, flour, red wine, beef stock, thyme, bay leaf, mushrooms, pearl onions, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Instructions: Brown bacon and beef. Sauté vegetables with tomato paste and flour. Deglaze with wine and add stock, herbs, and meat. Bake 2.5 hours. Sauté mushrooms and pearl onions separately; add to stew in final 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
✨ With its rich flavors, slow-cooked tenderness, and deep cultural roots, Beef Bourguignon is a dish worth savoring—whether for a holiday meal or a cozy Sunday supper.