Ingredients Breakdown
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beef chuck (cut into cubes) | 2 lbs |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Beef broth | 3 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Carrots (sliced) | 4 |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 8 oz |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the Beef: Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Cook Onions: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor
Return Beef: Add the browned beef back to the pot.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer
Bring to a Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Add Vegetables
Add Carrots and Mushrooms: Once the beef has softened, add the sliced carrots and mushrooms to the pot. Stir to combine and continue simmering for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Mix Cornstarch: If a thicker sauce is preferred, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the pot. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Season and Serve
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish: Remove the bay leaves and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley.
Perfect Pairings
- Mashed Potatoes 🥔
- Rice 🍚
- Crusty Bread 🍞
Pro Tips
- Browning the beef properly is key to building that rich flavor in the stew. Don’t rush it!
- Let it simmer slowly to ensure the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the step of removing excess grease after browning the beef. It ensures your stew isn’t too greasy.
- If you’re using cornstarch for thickening, be sure to stir in a slurry so it doesn’t form lumps.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This dish gets better the longer it sits. You can make it the day before and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Bourguignon is the perfect dish for chilly nights or a weekend family dinner. Its rich flavors and tender beef will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
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