Tender Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavors of a classic French dish with a playful twist in this Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon recipe. Picture tender beef, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and sweet pearl onions all melding together in a velvety wine-infused sauce, nestled inside a warm, crusty bread bowl. The bread soaks up every bit of that luscious gravy, making each bite a celebration of flavors.

I first crafted this dish for a cozy autumn gathering, where the silence that fell over the table with the first taste spoke volumes. There’s something truly special about the aroma that fills the house as this Beef Bourguignon simmers away, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace. And as my friends clamor for extra bread to ensure not a drop of that savory sauce goes to waste, I’m reminded of the joy this dish brings to the table.

With each bite, you’ll savor the timeless rustic elegance of a dish that hails from the Burgundy region of France, where wine and cattle farming converge. So, gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of red wine, and let’s embark on a culinary journey that brings a touch of French magic straight to your home.

Quick Benefits

• Luxurious, deep flavors of a classic French dish with a rustic twist
• Bread soaks up wine-infused gravy, creating a comforting and rich experience
• Perfect for cold nights, keeping well for up to four days and making a festive, celebratory meal
• Versatile adaptations for gluten-free or pork-free options

Why You’ll Love This Tender Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon Recipe Recipe

• Luxurious Flavor Profile: This recipe offers deep, rich flavors of a classic French dish with a rustic twist, perfect for those who appreciate hearty and comforting meals.
• Interactive Eating Experience: Serving the stew inside warm crusty bread bowls adds a fun and interactive element to the meal, ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
• Sauce Absorption: The bread soaks up the wine-infused gravy, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor, making it a delightful experience for bread lovers.
• Aromatic Delight: The house fills with an amazing aroma while cooking, creating a celebratory atmosphere, perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings.
• Leftover Magic: The dish keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for meal prep or enjoying the flavors over a few days without losing quality.
• Adaptability: The recipe offers gluten-free and ingredient substitution options, making it versatile and accommodating for dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Culinary Tradition: With its origins in French cuisine, this dish brings a piece of culinary history and rustic elegance to your table, perfect for those who enjoy exploring traditional recipes.
• Pairing Opportunities: The stew pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine, enhancing the dining experience and adding a touch of sophistication.
• Make-Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared in advance, allowing for easy meal planning and assembly just before serving, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Ingredients for Tender Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Beef Bourguignon

• 480 ml beef broth
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 30 g tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 225 g cremini or button mushrooms, halved
• 225 g pearl onions
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1.1 kg beef chuck, cut into large cubes
• 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
• 480 ml dry red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 16 g all-purpose flour

Bread Bowls

• 4 small round crusty sourdough bread loaves

Pro Tips for Tender Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon Recipe

For the perfect Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon, be sure to choose a dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir to enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish. When selecting your beef, opt for chuck roast for its tenderness, but brisket or stewing beef will also yield excellent results when braised slowly. Lightly toasting the interior of the bread bowls before filling them will help prevent sogginess and maintain their structure, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend and ensure your bread bowls are also gluten-free. If you’re out of wine, you can substitute a mixture of half beef broth and half unsweetened grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. For a festive touch, consider serving each bread bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of horseradish cream. Leftover stew makes a delicious filling for baked potatoes, offering a versatile and satisfying meal option.

How to Make Tender Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Render Bacon

In a large pot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon, keeping the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Brown Beef

Pour olive oil into a pot. Brown beef cubes in batches until all sides are seared. Set aside the browned beef.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Cook diced onion and sliced carrots in the pot until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Evenly sprinkle flour over vegetables and mix well to coat.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer

Add red wine to the pot and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and reserved bacon.

Step 6: Braise Beef

Add the browned beef back to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 150 minutes until the meat is tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Add Aromatics

Add pearl onions and halved mushrooms, then cook uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Season to Taste

Taste and add salt and black pepper as desired.

Step 9: Prepare Bread Bowls

Cut off the tops of the sourdough loaves and remove the insides to create bowls.

Step 10: Serve

Spoon hot beef bourguignon into bread bowls and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

Once the Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon is cooked, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers to maintain freshness. It’s recommended to fill the bread bowls right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. If you plan to freeze the stew, let it cool down and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to enjoy, defrost the stew in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

To adapt this recipe for dietary preferences, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Also, consider using gluten-free bread bowls to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. If you run out of red wine, a substitute of half beef broth and half unsweetened grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar can be used for a similar flavor profile. Additionally, turkey bacon can be used as a pork substitute if necessary. Leftover stew can be repurposed as a delicious filling for baked potatoes, offering a new way to enjoy the flavors of this classic French dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose gluten-free bread for the bread bowls as well to keep the entire dish gluten-free.

If you don’t have red wine on hand or prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute a combination of half beef broth and half unsweetened grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. This will still provide depth of flavor to the dish without the wine.

If you’re looking to make a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. It will still add a smoky flavor to the dish while reducing the overall fat content. Additionally, you can opt for leaner cuts of beef such as stewing beef or brisket if you prefer a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try making mini individual bread bowls by hollowing out small dinner rolls and filling them with the Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon. This makes for a charming and cozy presentation, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. The individual portions are not only visually appealing but also allow each guest to enjoy their own personal bread bowl filled with the delicious stew.

Another fun idea is to serve the Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon in a large sourdough bread boule that has been hollowed out and toasted. This creates a stunning centerpiece dish that is sure to impress your guests. The warm crusty bread bowl adds a rustic charm to the meal and provides a unique dining experience. Plus, tearing off pieces of the bread bowl to soak up the savory sauce adds an interactive and enjoyable element to the meal.

FAQs for Tender Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the beef mixture can be made a day in advance and reheated. Assemble with bread bowls just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

What type of red wine is best for this recipe?

Dry red wines like Burgundy or Pinot Noir are ideal as they add depth without overpowering the other flavors of the dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your bread bowls are also gluten-free.

What can I use as a substitute for pearl onions?

If pearl onions are unavailable, you can use small shallots or quartered larger onions as a substitute, though the texture may differ slightly from the original recipe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon is a dish that truly warms the soul and brings people together. The rich flavors and tender beef, paired with the rustic charm of serving it in a bread bowl, make for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Don’t be intimidated by the French name or the lengthy ingredient list – this dish is all about slow cooking and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of this Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon. You’ll be rewarded with a hearty and delicious meal that will have your guests coming back for more. Cheers to good food, good company, and the joy of sharing a homemade meal that’s made with love.