Beef Bourguignon – A Classic Comfort Stew
Looking for easy beef recipes for dinner? My Beef Bourguignon is a classic, comforting stew. Rich, flavourful and perfect for a chilly night. Get the recipe!

- Beef Bourguignon: A French Kiss to Your Taste Buds
- Beef Bourguignon – A Classic Comfort Stew Recipe Card
- What's the Deal with Beef Bourguignon?
- Why You'll Absolutely LOVE This
- The Star-Studded Cast
- Ingredients & Equipment for Beefy Goodness
- Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!
- Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for Success
- Recipe Notes: The Nitty-Gritty
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, gather 'round foodies! let's talk comfort food, particularly beef recipes for dinner . ever had one of those days where you just need a big ol' hug in a bowl? yeah, me too.
Well, get ready, because we're diving headfirst into a culinary classic.
Beef Bourguignon: A French Kiss to Your Taste Buds
Honestly, who doesn't love a rich, hearty stew? beef bourguignon is the queen of them all. this isn't just any stew, mind you, its a recipe born in burgundy, france, where they know good food.
It's slow-cooked beef, simmered in red wine. this recipe is one of the most delightful recipes for dinner with ground beef
Beef Bourguignon – A Classic Comfort Stew Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato paste
- 2 cups (475 ml) dry red wine (Burgundy, Beaujolais, or Pinot Noir recommended)
- 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, parsley, bay leaf tied together with kitchen twine)
- 8 oz (225g) bacon or pancetta, cut into lardons (optional)
- 1 lb (450g) cremini mushrooms, quartered or thickly sliced
- 1 lb (450g) frozen pearl onions, thawed (or fresh, peeled)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
🥄 Instructions:
- Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Dredge in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef from pot and set aside. Don't overcrowd the pot.
- Add butter to the Dutch oven. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Reduce wine by half. Add beef broth and bouquet garni. Bring to a simmer.
- Return beef to the Dutch oven. Ensure the beef is mostly submerged in liquid; add more broth if needed.
- Cover the Dutch oven and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 2.5-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, simmer very gently on the stovetop.
- While beef braises, cook bacon (if using) in a large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving rendered fat.
- Add butter to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté mushrooms until browned and softened. Add pearl onions and cook until lightly browned.
- Remove bouquet garni from Dutch oven. Stir in the cooked mushrooms, onions, and bacon (if using) into the beef stew. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What's the Deal with Beef Bourguignon?
This recipe is a bit of a project. about 4 hours but don't let that scare you off! it's more about simmering and letting the magic happen.
You'll get about 6-8 servings out of it. perfect for a family dinner or impressing some mates. the flavour profile of ground beef recipes for dinner its amazing, specially recipes like korean ground beef and rice bowls
Why You'll Absolutely LOVE This
This isn't just about flavour. although, oh my gosh, the flavour! all that slow cooking means the beef is fall-apart tender.
This is a perfect dish for a cold winter day. it's the kind of meal that just warms you from the inside out.
When you ask yourself what to do with ground beef , remember the beef bourguignon.
The Star-Studded Cast
We're talking about beef chuck, red wine (go for a burgundy or pinot noir), bacon (because, bacon!), mushrooms, onions, and some herbs.
It's a classic combo for a reason. now some folks prefer hamburger bowl recipes , but trust me on this one, bourguignon is worth the extra effort.
Plus, it's got some sneaky health benefits. all that slow cooking releases collagen from the beef, which is great for your joints.
And who doesn't love the healthiness of healthy dinner with ground beef ?
Ready to get cooking? Next, we'll dive into the ingredients!
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what you'll need for some seriously tasty beef recipes for dinner . honestly, nailing the ingredients and having the right gear can make or break your dish.
You know?
Ingredients & Equipment for Beefy Goodness
Listen up, 'cause we're diving deep.
Main Ingredients for Our Classic Beef Bourguignon
Okay, so, for our star, the Beef Bourguignon, we'll be using this:
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3 lbs (1.4 kg) of beef chuck, cubed into 1-inch pieces. Don't be shy with the size.
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2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil.
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1/2 cup (60g) of all-purpose flour. Season it up with salt and pepper, yeah?
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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2 tablespoons (30g) of unsalted butter.
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1 large yellow onion, chopped.
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2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
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2 celery stalks, chopped.
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4 cloves garlic, minced.
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1 tablespoon (15 ml) of tomato paste.
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2 cups (475 ml) of dry red wine. Burgundy, Beaujolais, or Pinot Noir are your best mates. Don't use the cheap stuff you wouldn't drink.
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2 cups (475 ml) of beef broth. Low sodium's a good shout.
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1 bouquet garni (thyme, parsley, bay leaf tied together). Smells amazing.
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And let's not forget our mushroom and onion crew:
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8 oz (225g) bacon or pancetta, cut into lardons (optional, but why would you skip it?).
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1 lb (450g) cremini mushrooms, quartered or sliced.
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1 lb (450g) frozen pearl onions, thawed. Fresh ones are great, if you can be arsed.
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2 tablespoons (30g) of unsalted butter for them.
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
Quality Check: For the beef, look for good marbling. That's the fat running through the meat. It means flavour! The better the beef, the tastier the beef recipes for dinner .
Seasoning Notes: That Secret Oomph
These bits add real magic.
- Essential Spice Combinations : Salt, pepper, and thyme are your base here.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Bay leaf brings that depth. Don't forget the garlic.
- Quick Substitution Options : If you're missing thyme, oregano's a fair swap.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
No need for fancy gadgets here.
- Essential Tools: A large Dutch oven is your best friend for beef recipes for dinner , or a heavy-bottomed pot. Large skillet for the mushrooms.
- Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a Dutch oven, a big oven-safe casserole dish will do.
Honestly, these recipes for dinner with ground beef are all about simplicity. no need to overthink it. korean ground beef and rice bowls are even easier.
Just get your ingredients ready, and let's get cooking! what to do with ground beef? you can find so many hamburger bowl recipes that are quick and easy to use.
Thinking about something different, i saw some korean ground beef recipes in pinterest the other day, and they look incredible! if you're aiming for rice and beef recipes , make sure to use a rice cooker to make your life simpler.
Don't think about healthy dinner with ground beef ? i have some ground beef bowl recipes that can add vegetables if you are willing to have them.
Now that you know about ground beef bowls healthy , this Beef Bourguignon is definitely one of my favourite beef recipes for dinner !

Right then, let's talk grub! and not just any grub, but proper, comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kinda food. we're diving headfirst into beef recipes for dinner .
Specifically, we're tackling a classic: beef bourguignon. now, i know, i know, sounds fancy, right? but honestly, it's just a super-posh beef stew.
Think julia child, but with less butter (maybe!). honestly, this dish is the perfect way what to do with ground beef (or in this case, chuck!).
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is crucial, mate. before you even think about turning on the hob, get everything prepped. chop your onions, carrots, and celery.
Cube your beef. get that bouquet garni tied up. time-saving organisation tips? do all this the day before! seriously, it makes a massive difference.
Safety, of course! keep your knives sharp. a blunt knife is a dangerous knife, you know?
Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!
Right, let's get down to brass tacks.
- Season and Flour: Generously season 3 lbs of cubed beef chuck with salt and pepper. Dredge it in 1/2 cup seasoned flour.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides.
- Sauté Veg: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook for another minute.
- Deglaze: Pour in 2 cups of red wine (like Burgundy). Scrape up those browned bits – that's where all the flavour is! Add 2 cups of beef broth and the bouquet garni. Simmer time!
- Braise: Return the beef to the pot. Pop the lid on and bung it in a preheated oven at 325° F ( 160° C) for 2.5- 3 hours . You're looking for fork-tender beef here.
- Mushrooms & Onions: While the beef is doing its thing, sauté 1 lb of quartered mushrooms and 1 lb of thawed pearl onions in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Combine: Stir the mushrooms and onions into the stew. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for Success
Want to take your Beef Bourguignon from "meh" to "OMG"? Here's the lowdown:
- Don't crowd the beef when searing. It’ll steam, not sear, and you'll miss out on that amazing flavour.
- If your sauce is too thin, make a quick slurry! Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it in. Boom, thickened!
- Make-ahead option? Absolutely! This stew is even better the next day. The flavours have time to meld, and it's just…magic. Honestly, Korean Ground Beef And Rice Bowls ain't got nothing on this!
So there you have it. a proper beef bourguignon that'll knock your socks off. perfect with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even on its own.
It's also a great way to explore other recipes for dinner with ground beef . enjoy, love! and don't forget to share your masterpieces! i'm hoping you can enjoy this at dinner to prepare the dish.
Right then, let's talk about some extra bits for your Beef Bourguignon. Honestly, this bit is just as important as the recipe itself. It's like the "behind-the-scenes" stuff.
Recipe Notes: The Nitty-Gritty
This is where we fine-tune perfection. Trust me, a few extra tips can make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Presentation matters, you know? for plating, ladle that beautiful stew into bowls. a sprig of parsley? bang on! serve with creamy mashed potatoes.
Honestly, who doesn’t love that? crusty bread is also key. you need something to mop up all that amazing sauce.
Complementary sides could include simple green beans. roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips work well too. a light red wine, like a beaujolais, would be lovely.
It is important to try recipes for dinner with ground beef .
Storage Tips: Make It Last!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fancy freezing? Absolutely! This freezes brilliantly. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop. You might need a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Want a veggie version? Swap out the beef for big chunks of portobello mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Sorted!
Gluten-free? easy peasy! just use gluten-free flour to dredge the beef. bob's your uncle! i once tried korean ground beef and rice bowls , but this is totally different, honestly.
If you are wondering what to do with ground beef , this should be in your options.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!
Each serving's around 550-650 calories. you'll get 40-50g of protein. there's also 30-40g of fat. carbs are about 20-30g. fibre clocks in at 3-5g.
Sugar from the wine and veg is 5-8g. of course, this is a rough estimate, alright?. don't hold me to it!
Remember, that healthy dinner with ground beef can also be tasty dinner.
Alright, there you have it. everything you need to boss this beef bourguignon. don't be scared to give it a go.
You can totally do it. and maybe, just maybe, this will be the best of your beef recipes for dinner , or maybe we should name it something like ground beef bowl recipes ? or maybe ground beef bowls healthy ? give it a go! good luck!.
Now, about these ground beef recipes ...

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cut of beef to use for Beef Bourguignon, and can I use something else if I can't find it?
Traditionally, beef chuck is used for Beef Bourguignon because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful during the long braising process. However, if you can't find chuck, you can substitute with beef short ribs or stew meat. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose, so keep an eye on it and test for fork-tenderness. Think of it like Goldilocks and the Three Bears - you want it just right!
Can I make this "beef recipes for dinner" dish ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Absolutely! In fact, Beef Bourguignon is often even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. To store it, allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label it - nobody wants a surprise stew on a Tuesday!
I don't drink alcohol. Can I still make Beef Bourguignon, and what can I use instead of red wine?
Yes, you can definitely make a non-alcoholic version! The red wine adds depth and acidity, but you can substitute it with extra beef broth. To mimic the acidity, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar along with the broth. Alternatively, you can use a non-alcoholic red wine alternative, now widely available in many supermarkets.
How can I thicken the sauce in my Beef Bourguignon if it's too thin?
If your sauce isn't as thick as you'd like, you can easily thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering stew and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Alternatively, you can remove about a cup of the sauce, blend it with an immersion blender, and then stir it back into the pot. That's a trick straight from the best kitchens!
Can I adapt this Beef Bourguignon recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! For a slow cooker, sear the beef and sauté the aromatics as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the beef and sauté the aromatics. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 40-45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. These adaptations can save time, but be sure to adjust the liquid levels accordingly!
What are some good side dishes to serve with this hearty beef recipes for dinner?
Beef Bourguignon is a rich and comforting dish, so it pairs well with equally comforting side dishes. Mashed potatoes or a creamy potato purée are classic choices, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Crusty bread is also a must! For a lighter counterpoint, try serving it with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables like carrots or parsnips. Think of it as a proper Sunday roast, but in stew form!
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