FAQ
Beef Bourguignon, also known as Beef Burgundy, is the quintessential French comfort food. This rich, savory dish combines tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables and a luxurious red wine sauce for a meal that feels as cozy as a warm blanket on a chilly evening. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying way to enjoy a weeknight meal, this recipe for beef bourguignon is easy to love and even easier to make.
There’s no need to travel to France or spend hours in the kitchen. This is truly the best beef bourguignon recipe for busy home cooks. Thanks to options like the slow cooker and Instant Pot, you can enjoy all the decadence of this classic dish with far less time and effort. Perfect for family dinners, holidays or special occasions, this simple beef bourguignon recipe brings gourmet flavors right to your table.
What is Beef Bourguignon?
Beef Bourguignon is a traditional French stew where tender pieces of beef simmer in a red wine sauce, often alongside mushrooms, carrots, onions and garlic. The dish originates from the Burgundy region of France, and its depth of flavor comes from slow-cooking the beef in wine and broth infused with herbs.
Rich, flavorful and undeniably satisfying, it’s no wonder beef bourguignon (or beef burgundy) has become a culinary favorite worldwide.
The magic of this dish lies in its blend of ingredients. The beef bourguignon main ingredients include well-marbled beef, red wine, vegetables like onions and carrots, and fragrant herbs like thyme.
However, the key to the best beef bourguignon recipe is in the details of your preparation method and the wine you choose to use. Selecting the best wine for beef bourguignon, such as a Burgundy or a Merlot, makes all the difference in enhancing its robust flavor.
How to Make This Easy Beef Bourguignon Recipe
This recipe delivers all the charm of traditional beef bourguignon with modern-day ease. You can prepare it in various ways depending on your schedule and preference, including the stovetop, oven, slow cooker or Instant Pot. Here’s a quick overview of the process to bring this French classic to life.
Start by crisping turkey bacon for a smoky touch. Then, sear the best meat for beef bourguignon, which is typically beef chuck roast. Searing locks in the juices and gives your dish a deep, caramelized flavor.
Next, sauté the vegetables, including yellow onion, carrots and mushrooms. When combined with minced garlic, these veggies create a rich, aromatic base.
To build that signature sauce, stir in flour and tomato paste, ensuring it coats the meat and vegetables evenly.
Then comes the star of the show: the wine. Opt for a Burgundy or other dark red wine to add depth and richness. Along with beef broth and a handful of fresh herbs, this creates a sauce that will thicken beautifully as everything simmers.
Depending on your chosen cooking method, you can then simmer this dish on the stovetop, bake it in the oven, load it into a slow cooker or use your Instant Pot for quicker results.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll end up with tender beef bathed in a flavorful, velvety sauce. It’s hearty enough for meat lovers yet elegant enough to impress your guests.
What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon
Wondering what to eat with beef bourguignon? There are so many delicious ways to round out your meal.
- Traditionally, this dish is served over buttered noodles or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
- For a classic pairing, try serving it with warm, crusty French bread or baguette slices for dipping.
- Looking for lighter options? Serve beef bourguignon with roasted vegetables or over a bed of fluffy, steamed rice.
- A crisp side salad with vinaigrette or sautéed green beans also makes a vibrant and refreshing companion.
- For drinks, a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe will complement the flavors beautifully, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Customizing Your Beef Bourguignon
One of the best things about this beef burgundy recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Change Up the Meat: While beef chuck roast is the best meat for beef bourguignon for its tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts like brisket or short ribs.
- Try Different Vegetables: Feel free to add parsnips, celery or potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Make It Alcohol-Free: If you’d prefer to skip the wine, substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
- Add a Smoky Twist: Include pancetta or traditional bacon instead of turkey bacon for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This simple beef bourguignon recipe isn’t just restaurant-quality; it also fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle.
Using healthier swaps like turkey bacon and low-sodium beef broth keeps the dish wholesome while still delivering on taste. At just 275 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy comfort food. If you’re on a Nutrisystem program, you can log each serving as two PowerFuels, one Extra and one Vegetable.
Plus, with options for the Instant Pot and slow cooker, you can have this iconic dish on your table no matter how much time you have.
The next time you’re in the mood for a warm, satisfying meal, pull out this recipe for beef bourguignon. With its melt-in-your-mouth beef, luscious wine sauce and hearty vegetables, this dish is sure to become a standout in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, your family or just yourself, beef bourguignon is an elegant yet approachable choice you’ll come back to again and again.
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 275
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable
Ingredients:
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp. avocado oil, divided
- 2 lbs. beef chuck roast, cut into 1-2" pieces
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrot, sliced ½-inch thick
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tsp. black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 8 fl. oz. red wine (Burgundy, Dark Red, Merlot, etc.)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth, low sodium
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ cup frozen pearl onions
Directions:
- Cook the turkey bacon either in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven until crisp. Set the cooked bacon aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry, then add to the pot and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the seared beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the same pot. Add the onions, carrots, garlic and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
- Return the seared beef to the pot with the vegetables. Add black pepper.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together well to coat, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, red wine, beef broth and thyme.
- Follow the instructions for your chosen cooking method:
- Oven: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover with a lid. Place in oven at 350°F for 2-3 hours, until beef is tender.
- Stovetop: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Slow Cooker: Transfer the entire mixture from the pot to your slow cooker insert. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours, until the beef is fork tender.
- Instant Pot: Transfer the mixture to the Instant Pot insert (if not already using it). Secure the lid and seal, then cook for 45 minutes. When the timer finishes, let the pressure release naturally. Do not use quick release.
- At the last 15 minutes of cooking (or if using an Instant Pot, when it's done releasing its pressure), add the turkey bacon and onion pearls.
- Remove thyme sprigs before serving.
