If you’re looking for a meal that feels both gourmet and approachable, this beef bourguignon recipe is the answer. Traditional French cooking often requires hours of simmering, but this version simplifies the process while keeping all the rich, comforting flavors intact.
Perfect for food enthusiasts craving a classic dish without spending an entire day in the kitchen, this recipe makes fine dining accessible for everyone.
Why This Simple Recipe Is a Must-Try
Beef bourguignon is the epitome of hearty, soul-warming food. This simplified version lets you enjoy all the depth of its red wine-infused sauce and tender beef in less time than you’d expect.
It’s an easy recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a dish that will impress family, friends, or even just yourself after a busy day.
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For those new to French cuisine, this recipe is a great entry point. It blends bold flavors like garlic, thyme, and mushrooms with savory beef for a meal that’s both satisfying and approachable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something special, this dish is always a hit.
Tips for Making It Even Easier
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop your vegetables and measure your ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
- Use Pre-Cut Beef: Opt for pre-cubed beef stew meat to save time without compromising flavor.
- Pressure Cooker Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, consider making this dish in a pressure cooker. It cuts the cooking time significantly while still delivering tender beef and rich flavors.
These small adjustments ensure you get an impressive meal on the table without unnecessary hassle.
Modifications for Dietary Preferences
This easy recipe is highly adaptable for various dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice or almond flour.
- Low-Carb: Skip the mashed potatoes and serve with roasted cauliflower or steamed green beans instead.
- Dairy-Free: Ensure your mashed potatoes are made with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
By making these tweaks, you can enjoy beef bourguignon tailored to your preferences without losing its irresistible charm.
Perfect Pairings for This Classic Dish
Complete your meal with sides and beverages that elevate the experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Sides: Pair with crusty no-knead bread to soak up the savory sauce or a fresh green salad for balance.
- Wine: Serve with the same Pinot Noir or red wine used in the recipe for a harmonious flavor profile.
- Dessert: End on a sweet note with a light fruit tart or chocolate mousse.
These additions turn an already satisfying dish into a full-fledged dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Food Recipe
This beef bourguignon recipe combines the elegance of French cuisine with the practicality of home cooking. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to more refined flavors without feeling intimidated.
By simplifying the cooking process, it becomes a dish that even beginners can master.
From its tender beef to its richly seasoned sauce, this recipe is a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy meal, beef bourguignon is the ultimate choice for food lovers everywhere.
Easy Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Equipment
- Pressure cooker or Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck fat trimmed, cubed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced or grated
- 4 carrots sliced
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 2 cups dry red wine e.g., Pinot Noir
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: Combine the beef chunks, flour, and a small pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss until the beef is evenly coated.
- Cook the Bacon: Turn on the sauté function of your pressure cooker and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
- Brown the Beef: Add the floured beef to the pot and sauté until browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and mushrooms. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper, then mix everything well.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the red wine and beef broth into the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and add the thyme sprigs. Return the cooked bacon to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook for 35 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform either a quick release or let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid carefully, remove the thyme sprigs, and discard them.
- Thicken the Sauce: Use the sauté function again and cook the stew for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the beef bourguignon over mashed potatoes or serve with crusty bread. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute red wine with an equal amount of additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes or freshly baked bread.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.