Hearty Beef Bourguignon

Craving a rich, comforting stew that warms you inside and out? Look no further than hearty beef bourguignon. This classic French dish features tender beef slowly braised in red wine until fall-apart tender, surrounded by mushrooms, pearl onions and bacon. The natural sweetness of the vegetables balances beautifully with the savory depth of the wine-infused beef. Simmering away on the stovetop, beef bourguignon fills your kitchen with intoxicating aroma as it cooks. Read on to learn how to create this cozy one-pot wonder.

An Introduction to Beef Bourguignon

Let's learn more about the dish that inspired this hearty stew:

Origin

Beef bourguignon originated in the Burgundy region of France, lending its name.

Main Ingredients

Braised beef, red wine, broth, mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon.

French Cooking Method

Beef is seared then braised long and slow in wine until ultra tender.

Rustic Dish

It originated as a peasant dish, making use of inexpensive ingredients.

Bistro Fare

This rustic stew is now found on bistro menus and in home kitchens.

When made properly, bourgeois beef stew is the ultimate comfort food.

Selecting the Best Cut of Beef

Choose a cut that becomes tender when braised. Good options include:

Chuck Roast

Chuck comes from the shoulder and has great connective tissue.

Bottom Round Roast

This affordable cut turns deliciously tender when braised.

Brisket

Brisket breaks down into fork-tender shreds with long cooking.

Short Ribs

Meaty short ribs and marrow add incredible richness.

Oxtail

Oxtail offers incredible collagen-rich flavor for stews.

Pick a well-marbled cut that will become tender and juicy.

The Importance of Cooking Wine

The red wine permeates the beef with flavor. Choose wisely:

Full-bodied Red

A Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah or blend with robust flavor.

French Variety

A true Burgundy like Pinot Noir adds authenticity.

Dry Wine

Avoid oaky or sweet wines that could make the dish cloying.

Drinkable Wine

Use a wine you'd also enjoy drinking so quality shines through.

Small Splash Vinegar

A touch of balsamic brightens flavors and tenderizes meat.

The right wine picks up flavor nuances from the ingredients.

Recipe for Hearty Beef Stew

This easy version delivers complex flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 8 oz. mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. baby potatoes
• Parsley and thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear beef in batches in a Dutch oven.
2. Add onions and mushrooms to pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in wine and broth.
4. Return beef to pot along with potatoes. Simmer 2-3 hours until beef is very tender.
5. Garnish with parsley and thyme. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Pair this cozy stew with crusty bread and a bold red wine for a delightful French bistro experience.

Customizing Your Bourguignon

There are endless ways to adapt this classic stew to your tastes:

Meat Choices

Try short ribs, oxtail, pork shoulder, lamb shoulder, or chicken thighs.

Seasonings

Customize with rosemary, sage, bay leaves, paprika, cayenne, etc.

Root Vegetables

Turnips, celeriac, parsnips, carrots all work beautifully.

Mushroom Varieties

Mix in meaty portobello, shiitake, oyster or other mushrooms.

Herbs and Garnishes

Parsley, cilantro, chives, dill, chervil, croutons provide finesse.

Make this hearty dish your own with inventive touches.

Braising Benefits

Low and slow braising offers both health and culinary benefits:

Increased Bioavailability

Cooking collagen-rich meats makes nutrients like protein more bioavailable.

Tenderized Texture

Slow braising dissolves collagen into gelatin for fork-tender meat.

Intensified Flavors

The long cook time deepens the flavor development.

Convenience

An affordable cut transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with hands-off ease.

Cozy Enjoyment

Few dishes are more soothing than a bubble, fragrant stew on a chilly night.

This traditional cooking method offers comfort along with nutrition.

Conclusion

For the ultimate soul-warming one-pot meal, hearty beef bourguignon delivers on every level. Allowing flavorful beef to slowly braise in red wine renders it fork-tender, while surrounding it with potatoes, mushrooms and pearl onions creates a harmonious medley of savory ingredients. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to your tastes, this cozy French classic stew puts a little joie de vivre into any mealtime routine. The next time you crave comfort in a bowl, let a steaming serving of beef bourguignon transport you to a little bistro in Burgundy.

FAQs

What are good side dishes for bourguignon?

Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, crusty bread and a simple salad are perfect accompaniments.

What meats can you substitute in the stew?

Pork shoulder, chicken thighs, lamb shoulder, or oxtail would also braise up deliciously.

Do you need to marinate the meat first?

Browning the meat then braising in wine infuses plenty of flavor. Marinating is optional.

Can you prep this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, sear the meat first then combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.

How long does the stew keep in the fridge?

Properly stored beef bourguignon will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving.

In summary, hearty beef bourguignon is the quintessential comforting stew, made easily in your own kitchen. Follow a few simple steps for a cozy French-inspired dinner.