Name: Easy Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups red wine (like Pinot Noir or Burgundy); 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 large carrots, sliced; 8 ounces baby bella or cremini mushrooms, halved; 1 tablespoon butter; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s one dish that always manages to transform an ordinary dinner into a warm, memorable occasion, it’s Easy Beef Bourguignon. Imagine impossibly tender beef, rich vegetables, and a luscious red wine sauce that practically begs for a hunk of crusty bread — all with minimal fuss and a handful of humble ingredients. This is the kind of soul-soothing French comfort food you crave on cozy evenings, and the best part is, you don’t need fancy equipment or hours of culinary training. Easy Beef Bourguignon brings bistro magic right to your kitchen, and your family and friends will be raving about this meal for weeks.

Easy Beef Bourguignon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to Easy Beef Bourguignon is in the selection of simple pantry staples — every ingredient is chosen for the flavor, color, or heartiness it adds to the stew. Using each one thoughtfully ensures that every bite is rich, deep, and balanced.

Beef chuck: Choose well-marbled beef for melt-in-your-mouth results — cubes about 1 1/2 inches hold up best during long, slow simmering.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps give the beef that irresistible golden-brown sear.
Thick-cut bacon: Smoky, salty bits infuse the whole pot with irresistible savory notes.
Onion: Diced onion forms the delicious aromatic backbone of your stew; for a traditional French touch, swap for pearl onions.
Garlic: Minced fresh to boost overall depth and add a gentle bite.
Tomato paste: Adds a touch of sweetness and rich umami for a more complex sauce.
All-purpose flour: Slightly thickens the sauce and helps create that iconic silky texture.
Red wine: Choose a dry wine like Pinot Noir or Burgundy — it’s the flavor star here and adds that signature French flair.
Beef broth: Combines with the wine for layers of flavor and keeps everything beautifully juicy.
Dried thyme & bay leaves: Classic French herbs that gently perfume your stew without overpowering it.
Salt & black pepper: Always season generously to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
Carrots: Sliced for sweetness, color, and that perfect rustic touch.
Baby bella or cremini mushrooms: Sautéed until golden, they soak up the sauce and give a lovely earthiness.
Butter: Just a tablespoon lends richness and a hint of gloss to your mushrooms.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish just before serving.

How to Make Easy Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by heating your Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and let it render until beautifully crisp. The bacon not only becomes a savory garnish but its drippings create a delicious base for browning the beef. Once golden, use a slotted spoon to set the bacon aside and keep those flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Pat your beef cubes dry with paper towels — this crucial step ensures a gorgeous, golden sear. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pot in batches (avoid crowding!). Brown each piece on all sides in the sizzling bacon fat, adding a bit of olive oil if needed. This process locks in juices and adds an incredible depth of flavor before simmering.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

With the beef out, in go the diced onions. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom — these are pure flavor gold. Next, add the minced garlic and dollops of tomato paste, stirring for about a minute. Sprinkle flour over everything, stirring to coat; this ensures your delicious Easy Beef Bourguignon thickens up just right.

Step 4: Deglaze & Simmer

Slowly pour in the red wine, stirring and scraping up any remaining brown bits. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, bay leaves, and return the browned beef and bacon to the pot. Give everything a good stir, bring it just to a simmer, then cover and let the magic happen on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You’ll start to notice the aroma filling your kitchen — that’s when you know Easy Beef Bourguignon is on the way!

Step 5: Add Veggies & Finish Cooking

While the beef becomes fork-tender, melt butter in a skillet and sauté your mushrooms until they’re browned and fragrant. About 25 minutes before serving, stir both the mushrooms and sliced carrots into the stew. Continue simmering, uncovered, until the carrots are soft and the sauce thickens slightly to that perfect, glossy finish.

Step 6: Serve & Savor

Pluck out those bay leaves, then give your Easy Beef Bourguignon a taste for seasoning. Ladle generously over a bed of mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or crispy bread, and finish with a handful of fresh parsley if you like. Get ready to watch the smiles light up around your table!

How to Serve Easy Beef Bourguignon

Garnishes

Garnishing turns a comforting bowl of Easy Beef Bourguignon into a bistro-worthy meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens the whole dish and adds a pop of color. For extra French flair, you can also toss in a few pearl onions sautéed with a dab of butter just before serving. No matter what, don’t skip the finishing touches — they truly make the stew sing.

Side Dishes

You’ll want something sturdy and comforting to soak up every drop of this luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or pillowy egg noodles are traditional favorites and work perfectly. Crusty French bread is another classic — perfect for wiping your bowl clean! For a lighter angle, opt for a crisp green salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the stew’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Easy Beef Bourguignon is a showstopper for gatherings, so why not serve it in individual mini cocottes or small bowls for a cozy dinner party? For a rustic family-style presentation, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone help themselves. Or, for fun tapas-style bites, spoon it into toast cups or serve atop polenta cakes for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Beef Bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will actually deepen and improve overnight, making leftovers something to truly look forward to!

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Just let the Easy Beef Bourguignon cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It’ll keep well for up to three months — just label and date so you can defrost for a luxurious weeknight supper anytime.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Easy Beef Bourguignon gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Beef Bourguignon without wine?

Absolutely, while red wine is traditional, you can substitute all beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for depth. The stew will still be hearty and flavorful without the alcohol.

Do I have to use beef chuck, or can I try another cut?

Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful with long cooking. Stew meat or brisket also work well, but avoid lean cuts since they can turn tough and dry.

Is it possible to make Easy Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and bacon and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, adding the carrots and mushrooms for the last 1 to 2 hours so they stay perfectly tender.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Either option will thicken the sauce beautifully while keeping the dish safe for those with gluten allergies.

Can I prepare Easy Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?

Definitely — this stew actually gets better the next day, as the flavors have more time to mingle. Cool the pot completely, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for entertaining or meal prep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for comfort and crave a dinner with a dose of French romance, give Easy Beef Bourguignon a try. This stew is pure happiness in a bowl — hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. There’s nothing quite like sharing it with the people you love, so put on your coziest sweater and let this recipe become your new favorite.

Easy Beef Bourguignon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic French dish made easy, this Beef Bourguignon recipe is rich, hearty, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a flavorful red wine sauce with vegetables, bacon, and herbs, creating a savory stew that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

Bacon:

4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped

Onion:

1 large onion, diced

Garlic:

3 cloves garlic, minced

Others:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups red wine (like Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 large carrots, sliced
8 ounces baby bella or cremini mushrooms, halved
1 tablespoon butter
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
Brown Beef: Pat beef dry, season, and brown in batches in bacon fat. Set aside.
Sauté Onion: Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic, tomato paste, and flour. Pour in wine, broth, thyme, bay leaves, beef, and bacon. Simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and carrots until browned. Add to the pot and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve hot with garnish.