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

  1. In a large bowl, combine the beef chunks with the wine, onions, carrots, thyme, bay leaves, and herbes de Provence.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Stew

  1. Drain the Marinade: Remove the beef and vegetables from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Pat the beef dry with paper towels to ensure browning.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, reserved bacon, and the browned beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Stir the sautéed mushrooms into the beef stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  2. 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

[2] Boeuf Bourguignon - Food & Wine

[3] Beef Bourguignon Recipe - Cooking Classy