Beef Burgundy, also known as Beef Bourguignon, is a timeless French dish that combines tender beef, rich red wine, and savory vegetables into a comforting stew. If you’ve ever wondered how to make beef burgundy at home, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, sharing tips and tricks to make this dish a standout on your dinner table.
What Is Beef Burgundy?
Beef Burgundy is a slow-cooked beef stew braised in red wine, traditionally Burgundy wine (made from Pinot Noir grapes), along with beef stock, herbs, and aromatic vegetables. The result is melt-in-your-mouth beef with a deep, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic Beef Burgundy, gather the following:
– Beef: 2 to 3 pounds of chuck roast or bottom round roast, cut into 2-inch cubes. This cut has the right marbling and connective tissue for tender, flavorful meat after braising.
– Red Wine: 1 to 1½ cups of dry red wine such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir.
– Beef Stock: About 2 cups to enrich the sauce.
– Vegetables: Pearl onions, carrots, mushrooms (cremini or button), garlic, shallots, and sometimes leeks and celery.
– Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, parsley stems, peppercorns, and cloves.
– Other: Tomato paste, flour (for dredging), butter, and optionally bacon or pork belly for extra richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beef Burgundy
1. Prepare and Marinate the Beef (Optional)
Some chefs marinate the beef cubes in wine with aromatics like shallots, leeks, garlic, herbs, and spices overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor. However, this step is optional and can be skipped if you’re short on time without losing much in taste.
2. Brown the Beef
Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge the beef cubes lightly in flour to help develop a crust. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and sear the beef in batches until well browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the stew.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté pearl onions, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic in butter or bacon fat until softened and lightly browned. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar here can enhance the flavor.
4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the red wine and beef stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom — this is where much of the dish’s flavor comes from. Stir in tomato paste and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
5. Braise the Beef
Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices. Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, you can cook it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience.
6. Finish the Sauce
Once the beef is tender, remove the meat and herbs. Thicken the sauce by stirring in a beurre manié (a paste of flour and butter) or a cornstarch slurry. Return the beef and cooked vegetables to the pot and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Burgundy is traditionally served over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Roasted or garlicky carrots make a perfect side dish to complement the rich stew.
Tips for Success
– Choose the right beef: Chuck roast or bottom round with good marbling works best for tender, flavorful results.
– Don’t rush the browning: Properly searing the beef and vegetables builds layers of flavor.
– Use good wine: A dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Burgundy is ideal. Cooking with a wine you’d enjoy drinking makes a difference.
– Low and slow: Slow braising is key to tender beef and a rich sauce.
– Make ahead: Beef Burgundy tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Beef Burgundy is a classic dish that’s surprisingly approachable and incredibly rewarding to make. With simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that warms the heart and delights the palate. Give this recipe a try and impress your family or guests with the rich, comforting flavors of this French masterpiece. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Tender, flavorful, and utterly delicious — that’s how you make beef burgundy. Bon appétit!