Beef Bourguignon Recipe (Julia Child Style)
This rich, hearty, and soul-warming Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that elevates a simple beef stew into an unforgettable culinary experience. Inspired by Julia Child’s original recipe, this version incorporates simplified steps while retaining all the depth of flavor that makes this dish a favorite for special occasions and cozy dinners alike.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1 (750ml) bottle of red Burgundy wine (preferably Pinot Noir)
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence (or dried thyme)
For the Stew:
- 2 strips of bacon, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ lb white mushrooms, quartered
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional for Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a large bowl, combine the beef chunks with the wine, onions, carrots, thyme, bay leaves, and herbes de Provence.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Stew
- Drain the Marinade: Remove the beef and vegetables from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Pat the beef dry with paper towels to ensure browning.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Brown the Beef: In the same pot, add the vegetable oil. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This should take about 5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Gradually pour in the reserved marinade, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, reserved bacon, and the browned beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 3: Finish with Mushrooms
- In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir the sautéed mushrooms into the beef stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Perfect Beef Bourguignon:
- Quality Ingredients: Use a good quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking, as it greatly enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Patience is Key: Cooking time is essential for tender meat. Allow the stew to simmer long enough to break down the connective tissue in the beef.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance. The flavors develop even more as it sits in the refrigerator overnight.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Enjoy your Beef Bourguignon with a glass of the same red wine used for cooking, or a hearty, earthy red wine to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Making Beef Bourguignon might seem like an elaborate task, but with these simplified steps, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. Perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner, this classic French stew is sure to please everyone at your table! Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. Bon appétit!
[0] Beef Bourguignon (Julia Child Recipe) - Cafe Delites
[1] Beef Bourguignon - Allrecipes