Name: Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 lb beef chuck, cubed; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups mushrooms; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups dry red wine; 2 cups beef broth; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 71 reviews

If you are craving a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a taste of classic French cuisine to your table, look no further than this Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe. This hearty stew features melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered gently in red wine along with earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of deep, rich flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a luxurious yet approachable meal that celebrates slow cooking at its finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl contains peeled yellow potatoes, whole small onions, chopped carrots, and sliced mushrooms, all fresh and colorful. Next to it, there is a white bowl filled with raw cubed red meat. Smaller white bowls hold bright orange shredded carrots, chopped tomatoes, dark soy sauce, a light creamy ingredient, red wine, fresh green herbs, and yellow mustard. A glass bowl with a dark brown liquid is also present. Everything is neatly organized and ready for cooking, giving a fresh and vibrant impression. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element adds a layer of flavor or texture that elevates the dish to something truly special. From tender beef chuck to fragrant thyme, every ingredient has an important role to play.

3 lb beef chuck, cubed: A perfect cut for slow cooking that becomes wonderfully tender.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the beef, adding a subtle fruity richness.
1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens during sautéing.
2 carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a slight earthy note.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic touch that complements the stew perfectly.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and a hint of acidity for balance.
3 cups dry red wine: The star ingredient that tenderizes the beef and imparts a deep, rich character.
2 cups beef broth: Adds savory depth and ensures the stew remains luscious and saucy.
2 cups mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, mushrooms soak up the stew’s flavors beautifully.
2 sprigs fresh thyme: Offers a delicate herbaceous aroma that ties all ingredients together.
1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle, aromatic earthiness that rounds out the stew.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Beef

Start by seasoning the cubed beef chuck with salt and black pepper generously so every piece is well-coated. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown the beef cubes in batches until they develop a beautiful caramelized crust. Browning is key to building the stew’s complex flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook them gently until they soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables contribute both natural sweetness and a bit of texture that balances the richness of the beef.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Liquids

Stir in the tomato paste with the softened vegetables, cooking for a minute to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the dry red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to incorporate all that luscious flavor into the sauce.

Step 4: Return Beef and Add Herbs

Put the browned beef back into the pot along with the sprigs of fresh thyme and the bay leaf. These herbs will slowly infuse the stew with a fragrant, woodsy note. Stir everything to combine, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer gently for about 3 hours. This slow cooking process melts the beef until fork-tender, allowing all the flavors to meld into a rich, harmonious stew that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms at the End

About 30 minutes before the stew finishes cooking, add the mushrooms. They will absorb the wonderful red wine sauce while keeping their meaty texture, adding another layer of earthiness and heartiness to the dish.

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs, especially a few sprigs of thyme or chopped parsley sprinkled over the top, bring a burst of color and a fresh aroma that contrasts beautifully with the deep flavors of the stew. You might also add a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving for a silky finish.

Side Dishes

This Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery crusty bread. The richness of the stew is beautifully balanced by the smooth texture of the potatoes, while crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that decadent sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic and inviting presentation, serve the stew directly from the Dutch oven at the table, letting guests ladle their portions. Alternatively, plate it with a nest of buttery egg noodles or atop a bed of fluffy polenta for a comforting and elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Store leftover beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe freezes wonderfully without losing its luscious texture or depth of flavor. Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to avoid overcooking the tender beef. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness when cooked low and slow, you could use beef brisket or short ribs as alternatives. Just be aware different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

What kind of red wine is best for beef bourguignon?

Choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot. These varieties offer bright fruit flavors and acidity that complement the richness of the beef without overpowering it.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the liquids and herbs, and cook on low for about 7-8 hours. Add the mushrooms in the last 30 minutes as usual.

Is it necessary to brown the beef first?

Yes, browning the beef caramelizes the surface and adds depth of flavor to the stew. Skipping this step can result in a less rich and vibrant dish.

How thick should the sauce be when the stew is done?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still saucy and luscious. If it’s too thin, you can reduce it uncovered over medium heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Cooking this Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe is like inviting a little bit of France into your kitchen, where patience and simple ingredients transform into something utterly amazing. It’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul, perfect for chilly evenings, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic again and again.