Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms

Introduction

Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms, or Boeuf Bourguignon, is a rich, slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef, mushrooms, pearl onions, and a deep red wine sauce. Rooted in French tradition, this stew develops deep, comforting flavors through slow braising. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make an authentic version at home with simple ingredients and expert techniques for the perfect, flavorful stew.

Key Benefits

1. Rich, Deep Flavor – Slow braising in red wine enhances the beef’s natural taste, creating a robust and savory sauce.
   
2. Tender, Juicy Beef – Cooking low and slow ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
   
3. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients – Mushrooms, onions, and carrots provide essential vitamins and minerals.
   
4. Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
   
5. Versatile Serving Options – Pairs well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  
• 1 onion, finely chopped
  
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  
• 2 cups dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir)
  
• 2 cups beef broth
  
• 1 bay leaf
  
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
   

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and chopped onion, cooking until softened.
5. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

7. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
8. Slowly pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
9. Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Stew

10. Return the seared beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 1.5 hours.
11. Add carrots and pearl onions. Continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes until beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

12. Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use the Right Cut of Beef – Beef chuck is ideal for stews as it becomes tender with slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts, which can turn dry.
  
• Enhance the Flavor – A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can deepen the taste.
  
• Choose a Good Wine – Use a dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Burgundy for the best depth of flavor.
  
• Thicker Sauce – If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  
• Make It in a Slow Cooker – Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  
• Vegetable Variations – Swap pearl onions for shallots, or add potatoes for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

• With Mashed Potatoes – The rich sauce pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes.
  
• Over Buttered Noodles – Serve the stew over egg noodles for a classic French touch.
  
• With Crusty Bread – A warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
  
• Side of Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the dish.
  
• Wine Pairing – Serve with the same red wine used in cooking, such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy, to enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

Classic French beef stew with mushrooms is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. Its rich flavors from slow-braising the beef in red wine and broth, combined with the earthy mushrooms, make this stew a crowd-pleaser. While it does take time to prepare, the results are worth every minute spent, offering a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether served with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread, this stew will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy it with a glass of wine and savor the warmth of this classic French dish.

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