There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Beef Bourguignon, its rich, savory aroma filling the kitchen as it slowly cooks to perfection. This dish, inspired by the culinary legend Anthony Bourdain, is a celebration of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe brings a touch of French sophistication to your table with minimal effort.
I fell in love with this recipe on a cold winter evening when I craved something both hearty and elegant. With a few tweaks, it’s become a go-to in my home, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Bourguignon
Get ready to fall head over heels for this ultimate comfort food. Beef Bourguignon is the epitome of rustic elegance, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and luxurious feast.
First, it’s all about the flavor. Slow-cooked beef and vegetables absorb a deeply seasoned broth, resulting in layers of taste that develop over time. Each bite is a symphony of tender meat, earthy vegetables, and a velvety sauce.
This recipe is also surprisingly approachable. Despite its reputation as a French classic, it’s straightforward enough for any home cook to master. By using familiar ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results without breaking a sweat.
What’s more, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better. Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe fits the bill.
Finally, it’s endlessly versatile. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a bed of fluffy rice – the choice is yours. No matter the side dish, Beef Bourguignon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Beef Bourguignon lies in its humble yet perfectly chosen ingredients. Each one adds depth and texture, creating a harmonious balance that makes this dish unforgettable.
Beef: Opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become incredibly tender after slow cooking, their fat melting into the sauce for a rich, silky finish. Trim any excess fat, but don’t go too lean – it’s the secret to the dish’s luscious texture.
Carrots and Potatoes: These root vegetables bring a natural sweetness and heartiness to the stew. Choose firm, fresh produce to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
Onions and Garlic: Aromatics like diced onions and minced garlic form the foundation of the sauce. They sauté to a golden brown, releasing their sweet, savory essence into the dish.
Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste adds a subtle tang and deepens the color of the sauce. It also enhances the overall umami flavor, making every spoonful irresistible.
Broth and Seasonings: A rich beef or chicken broth acts as the base for the sauce. Combined with a blend of bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper, it infuses the stew with an herbaceous warmth that ties everything together.
For this recipe, all you’ll need is a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Its even heat distribution ensures your Beef Bourguignon cooks evenly and develops its signature deep flavor.
How To Make This Beef Bourguignon

Making Beef Bourguignon is easier than you might think. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Start by searing the beef. Heat a bit of oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides, ensuring a golden crust. Remove and set aside – this step locks in the meat’s juices and adds a depth of flavor to the final dish.
In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and lightly caramelized. This forms the aromatic base of the sauce. Add a dollop of tomato paste, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic, allowing it to cook for a minute or two.
Next, deglaze the pan with a splash of broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and essential to the dish’s richness. Return the beef to the pot, along with chunks of carrots and potatoes.
Pour in the remaining broth, ensuring the ingredients are just covered. Toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a couple of bay leaves for a fragrant finish. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to a low oven.
Cook slowly for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to stir and ensure nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but not mushy. Before serving, remove the thyme and bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Storage Options
Beef Bourguignon stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.
Transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen, making reheated portions even more delicious.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
When reheating, you may notice the sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, and you’re good to go.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the joys of Beef Bourguignon is its flexibility. With a few simple swaps, you can tailor the recipe to your preferences.
For a lighter take, replace the potatoes with chunks of parsnip or turnip. These root vegetables provide a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Looking to add a touch of freshness? Stir in a handful of chopped parsley or dill just before serving. The herbs add a vibrant note that balances the richness of the sauce.
If you’re short on time, use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process. You’ll still achieve tender meat and a flavorful sauce, but in a fraction of the time.
You can also experiment with the protein. While beef is traditional, lamb or even chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein stays tender and juicy.
Finally, try serving the stew with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but buttered noodles or polenta make equally satisfying companions.
No matter how you adapt it, this Beef Bourguignon will remain a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for every occasion.
PrintAnthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Discover Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon recipe, a comforting dish with perfectly cooked beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup grape or pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, carrots, and onions. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze the pot with grape or pomegranate juice, scraping up the browned bits.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in beef broth. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until golden, then stir them into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- The stew can be refrigerated and reheated for an even richer flavor the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
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