Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that embodies comfort and rich flavors, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight meals. This recipe, with its detailed instructions and sumptuous ingredients, promises a culinary experience that is well worth the time and effort invested.
Recipe Overview
Name: Beef Bourguignon
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Description: A family favorite. It takes a fair amount of time to do, but it is well worth the effort. The topping of lemon, parsley, and mushrooms is divine. If there are any leftovers, they are even better the next day.
Recipe Category: Meat
Keywords: European, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 14
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 652.9
- Total Fat: 20.8g
- Saturated Fat: 8.2g
- Cholesterol: 144mg
- Sodium: 1711.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.8g
- Sugars: 15.8g
- Protein: 53.5g
Ingredients
- 1 slice bacon
- 3 lbs lean beef, cut into cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp cognac
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup Burgundy wine
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Cooking the Meat: Start by sautéing the bacon in a large skillet until it turns brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Season the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and flour, then fry them in the bacon grease in batches until browned. Transfer the beef cubes to a large casserole dish and combine them with the cooked bacon.
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Preparing the Base: In the same skillet used for the meat, sauté the sliced onions, carrots, and minced garlic until they turn golden brown. Add cognac to the skillet and carefully ignite it to flame (flambé). Stir until the flames subside, then add this mixture to the casserole dish with the beef and bacon. Mix well.
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Adding Liquids and Aromatics: Stir in the Burgundy wine, beef stock, tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme to the casserole dish. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, cover the casserole dish and transfer it to an oven preheated to 325°F (163°C). Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat becomes very tender.
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Preparing the Mushrooms: While the beef is cooking, sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter and olive oil until they become brown and sizzling. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and onions to the mushrooms and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
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Final Assembly: Just before serving, add the sautéed mushrooms and chopped parsley on top of the beef mixture in the casserole dish. Serve the Beef Bourguignon atop buttered egg noodles or rice for a complete meal.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
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Leftovers: Like many stews, Beef Bourguignon often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
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Side Dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread to mop up the juices.
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Wine Pairing: Since Burgundy wine is used in the recipe, consider serving the same wine alongside the dish for a harmonious pairing.
Conclusion
Beef Bourguignon is not just a meal; it’s an experience in French culinary tradition. From the initial sizzle of bacon to the final flourish of fresh herbs, every step in this recipe contributes to its exceptional flavor profile. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty, comforting dish, Beef Bourguignon is sure to satisfy and delight. Enjoy the process of cooking this masterpiece and savor the rewards with each delicious bite.
