The Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe: Rustic French Comfort

Succulent beef bourguignon carries the heart of french countryside cooking right to your kitchen.

Rustic ingredients blend into a symphony of rich, hearty flavors.

Classic techniques transform simple components into an extraordinary meal.

Tender meat slowly simmers in robust red wine, creating layers of deep, complex taste.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables mingle, developing an aroma that fills your entire home.

Culinary magic happens when patience meets skilled preparation.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of this legendary dish.

Why Nigella Beef Bourguignon Is Full Of Rich Flavor

• Savor Culinary Complexity: This beef bourguignon transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece with layered flavors that feel like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty dish that brings families together, offering rich and satisfying tastes perfect for gathering loved ones around the dinner table.
• Master Classic French Cuisine: Learn an authentic technique that introduces home cooks to traditional French cooking methods without requiring professional chef skills.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation make this recipe a stress-free cooking experience that maximizes deliciousness while minimizing kitchen mess.

Nigella Beef Bourguignon Ingredients You’ll Need

• Beef: A classic cut perfect for slow-cooking and absorbing rich flavors.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky depth and crispy texture to the dish.

• Carrots, Onions, Mushrooms: A classic combination that provides sweetness, depth, and earthy undertones to the stew.

• Red Wine, Stock: Provides a robust liquid base that tenderizes the meat and creates a rich, complex sauce.
• Bay Leaves, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the hearty stew.

• Oil: Helps to brown the meats and prevent sticking during the initial cooking stages.

How To Make Nigella Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 180C (fan 160C) so it’s ready for slow cooking.

Step 2: Crisp The Bacon

Heat oil in a large casserole dish and cook bacon until it becomes wonderfully crispy and golden brown.

Step 3: Sear The Beef

Brown the beef in multiple batches to ensure a rich, deep color and maximum flavor development.

Step 4: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Onions

Step 5: Create Flavor Base

• Wine
• Stock

Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 6: Bring To Initial Boil

Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle boiling point, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.

Step 7: Slow Cook In Oven

Cover the casserole and transfer to the preheated oven. Allow the beef to cook slowly and become incredibly tender, typically 2 to 2½ hours.

Step 8: Finish And Serve

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the beef bourguignon piping hot, letting the rich aromas fill the dining space.

Cooking Tips For Nigella Beef Bourguignon

• Batch Brown Beef: Ensure each piece gets a deep, golden-brown crust by not overcrowding the pan, which helps develop rich, caramelized flavors.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry red Burgundy or Pinot Noir for authentic taste, avoiding overly sweet or cheap wines that can compromise the dish's depth.
• Trim Beef Carefully: Remove excess fat from beef chunks to prevent a greasy texture, selecting well-marbled meat for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a consistent, gentle oven temperature to break down tough meat fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth beef that's incredibly soft.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the rich, deep-brown stew.

Ways To Personalize Nigella Beef Bourguignon

• Vegetarian Bourguignon: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or lentils, maintaining the rich wine-based sauce and classic vegetable medley.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients to a slow cooker instead of using the oven, cooking on low for 6-8 hours for tender meat and deep flavors.
• Lighter Protein Option: Swap beef with chicken thighs or turkey for a leaner protein version while keeping the traditional French cooking technique.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour for thickening and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.

What To Serve With Nigella Beef Bourguignon

• Savor Perfect Wine Pairing: Rich Burgundy red wines like Pinot Noir complement the deep, robust flavors of beef bourguignon, matching its traditional French origins with elegant smoothness.
• Elevate Bread Selection: Crusty French baguette or rustic sourdough provide ideal texture for soaking up the delicious wine-infused sauce, adding delightful contrast and extra enjoyment.
• Enhance Side Dish: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted root vegetables create harmonious accompaniments, balancing the hearty meat and offering complementary earthy undertones.
• Refresh with Beverage: Light, crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the richness, while providing a refreshing palate cleanser between each delectable bite.

Best Storage For Nigella Beef Bourguignon

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled beef bourguignon to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave-safe lid, heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour leftovers into saucepan, add splash of beef stock or wine to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Nigella Beef Bourguignon FAQs

• What is the origin of beef bourguignon?

This classic French stew originated in the Burgundy region of France, traditionally created by farmers and laborers as a hearty, slow-cooked meal using affordable cuts of beef.

• Why do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning creates a rich, caramelized exterior that develops deep flavor and helps seal in the meat’s natural juices, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I use a different type of red wine?

While Burgundy wine is traditional, you can use other full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir that provide similar depth and complexity to the stew.

Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich French heritage shines through this classic beef bourguignon, masterfully blending tender meat, red wine, and aromatic herbs into a deeply satisfying culinary experience. Hearty comfort awaits you in each carefully simmered spoonful of this timeless French comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) stewing steak, cut into chunks
• 150 g (5.3 ounces) bacon lardons or pancetta cubes

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, cut into sticks
• 200 g (7 ounces) mushrooms, in bite-sized chunks
• 100 g (3.5 ounces) grilled baby onions (antipasti style)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 750 ml (25.4 fluid ounces) full-bodied red wine
• 250 ml (8.5 fluid ounces) beef stock
• 30 ml (1 fluid ounce) garlic-infused olive oil
• 3 bay leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust Dutch oven and warm it over medium-high heat, ensuring even cooking temperature.
2. Crisp the bacon pieces until golden and fragrant, creating a rich flavor foundation for the dish.
3. Sear beef chunks in multiple batches, developing deep caramelized edges and sealing in succulent juices.
4. Introduce chopped carrots, earthy mushrooms, and pearl onions into the pot, layering complex aromatics.
5. Deglaze the cooking surface with robust red wine and hearty beef stock, incorporating bay leaves, salt, and cracked pepper.
6. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle bubbling point, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
7. Cover the pot securely and transfer to a preheated oven at 180°C (fan 160°C), allowing slow, tender braising.
8. Maintain consistent oven temperature for approximately 2 hours, periodically checking meat’s tenderness and liquid reduction.
9. Once beef reaches melt-in-your-mouth consistency, remove from oven and let rest briefly.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish and serve piping hot alongside complementary sides.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled beef cut like chuck or brisket for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Patting meat dry before browning ensures a perfect golden-brown crust and prevents steaming.
• Allow ample time for slow cooking to develop deep, complex flavors and tenderize tough meat cuts.
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious wine-infused sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg