Total Time: 3 hours
## Introduction
Journey into the heart of French cuisine with this traditional French Beef Stew, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon. This quintessential comfort food consists of beef simmered low and slow in an indulgent red wine broth, accompanied by a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish will make you feel like you’re dining in a quaint French bistro right at home.
## Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a time-honored classic, showcasing the simplicity and richness of French cuisine. It’s not only incredibly flavorful but also versatile, pairable with a variety of side dishes. You’ll also learn the technique of braising meat, a useful skill to acquire in any culinary journey.
## How to Make Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
## Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 6 oz bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)
– 2 cups beef stock
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 lb carrots, sliced
– 8 oz pearl onions, peeled
– 1 lb mushrooms, quartered
– 2 tbsp butter
## Directions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven, over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. Once browned, remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Add onions and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Next, pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Allow the mix to simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add beef stock, tomato paste, thyme and bay leaves to the pot and introduce the beef back in. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven for 1.5 hours.
6. After this, remove the pot from the oven and add carrots and pearl onions. Return the pot to the oven for an additional hour, until the beef is tender.
7. Separately, melt butter in a skillet and brown the mushrooms. Add these into the stew just before serving.
8. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning as per your preference. Don’t forget to remove the thyme and bay leaves before digging in!
## How to Serve Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
Serve your Boeuf Bourguignon with a side of crusty baguette or creamy mashed potatoes. These pairings are perfect to soak up every last bit of that deliciously rich sauce.
## How to Store Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
Boeuf Bourguignon stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also portion it out and freeze it for a longer shelf life.
## Tips to Make Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
1. Take your time: The flavor develops as the meat and veggies simmer slowly, so don’t rush this process.
2. Choose a good red wine: A quality, full-bodied red wine like Burgundy really enhances the flavor.
3. Sauté mushrooms separately: It prevents them from becoming soggy and keeps their texture intact.
## Variation (if any)
If you’d like a bit more fiber, you can throw in some peeled and chopped parsnips along with the carrots. It’s also completely fine if you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work in a pinch!
## FAQs (minimum three FAQs)
Q: Can I use a slow cooker to make this dish?
A: Yes, but adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Q: What’s a good wine to use for this recipe?
A: A good Burgundy is ideal. If you can’t find one, any full-bodied red, like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, will do.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover stew?
A: Absolutely. It will keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Enjoy your cozy, rich and traditional French Beef Stew! Bon appétit!