If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a dish that exudes French elegance without the fuss, look no further than this Easy French Beef Bourguignon. This hearty stew, rich with flavors of red wine, tender beef, and aromatic herbs, brings a taste of classic French cuisine right into your home. Imagine cozying up with a bowl of this comforting dish, its savory aroma wafting through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. Traditionally, Beef Bourguignon is a labor of love, but this easy version cuts down on the prep and cook time while still delivering that same rich, robust flavor that makes this dish a classic. By utilizing simple ingredients like chuck roast, carrots, and onions, you can create a delicious meal that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Serve this flavorful stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty French bread to soak up every last drop of the savory sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want to treat yourself to a comforting meal at home. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of France to your table!

This Easy French Beef Bourguignon combines tender beef, red wine, and an array of vegetables to create a deliciously comforting stew. Ready in under two hours, this recipe simplifies the traditional methods while retaining the depth of flavor that makes this dish a favorite. It’s perfect for chilly nights and guaranteed to warm your heart.

The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder! You can cook everything in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Exciting Story:

Every winter, my family has a tradition of hosting a cozy dinner night featuring comfort food. One chilly evening, I decided to try my hand at making Beef Bourguignon for the first time. As the beef simmered in red wine, the house filled with an intoxicating aroma that had everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. My kids were particularly intrigued by the rich color of the stew, and my husband couldn’t resist sneaking a taste as I was stirring.

Once it was served, I watched as my family savored each bite, their faces lighting up with delight. This Easy French Beef Bourguignon quickly became a staple in our winter rotation, reminding us that good food brings people together. It’s now a go-to recipe for gatherings and special occasions, with everyone eagerly asking for seconds!

Why This Easy French Beef Bourguignon?

• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that are easy to find and prepare.
• Time-Saving: Ready in under two hours, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

How to Make Easy French Beef Bourguignon

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the olive oil to the pot. In batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside with the bacon.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Everything: Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and check if more liquid is needed; if so, add a little more beef broth.
8. Serve: Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaf. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley, over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.

Tips For Easy French Beef Bourguignon

• Use Good Wine: Choose a wine you enjoy drinking; the flavor of the wine directly impacts the stew.
• Let it Rest: If possible, let the stew rest for a few hours or overnight. The flavors will deepen, and it will taste even better.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used instead of dried for a fresher taste.
• Different Meats: Substitute beef with lamb for a different twist on the classic dish.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin, to reduce fat content.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute part of the red wine with additional beef broth.

Closing For Easy French Beef Bourguignon

And there you have it! This Easy French Beef Bourguignon is not only comforting but also an impressive dish that will wow your family and friends. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful meals!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy French Beef Bourguignon

How long does this beef bourguignon last in the fridge?
It can last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze beef bourguignon?
Yes, it freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

What’s the best wine to use?
A good-quality Burgundy or Pinot Noir is recommended for the best flavor.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What if I don’t have bacon?
You can omit the bacon or use pancetta as a substitute.

Can I add potatoes?
Yes, adding potatoes can enhance the dish’s heartiness. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

What can I serve with beef bourguignon?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty French bread.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for easy meals throughout the week.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld.

Can I substitute the beef for chicken?
While it won’t be traditional, you can make a similar dish using chicken thighs. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Easy French Beef Bourguignon

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 4 slices of bacon, chopped

• 2 cups carrots, sliced

• 1 cup onions, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Prep the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
• Brown the Beef: Add the olive oil to the pot. In batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside with the bacon.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
• Combine Everything: Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and check if more liquid is needed; if so, add a little more beef broth.
• Serve: Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaf. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley, over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.