Name: Easy Beef Bourguignon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 slices savory cured meat alternative, diced; 2 pounds top sirloin steak, diced; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 medium sweet onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 3 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 ½ cups robust dark flavorful liquid; 1 ½ cups beef stock; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves; 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms; 1 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Bourguignon captures the rich, comforting flavors of traditional French cooking with a simplified method. The beef becomes tender and flavorful after slow simmering in a deep, savory broth, enhanced by aromatic vegetables and mushrooms. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

ingredients

For the stew

4 slices savory cured meat alternative, diced
2 pounds top sirloin steak, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ cups robust dark flavorful liquid
1 ½ cups beef stock
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

For the mushroom onion mixture

1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms
1 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced cured meat alternative and cook until browned and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving fat in the pot.
Season steak with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. In batches, add steak to the Dutch oven and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour and tomato paste; cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Pour in the dark flavorful liquid, scraping browned bits from the bottom.
Stir in beef stock, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Return steak to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and pearl onions; cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the stew. Stir in mushroom mixture, cured meat alternative, and parsley; warm through 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use chuck roast or beef stew meat for more tenderness.
Add pearl onions fresh instead of frozen, cooking longer if needed.
Substitute mushrooms with shiitake or button mushrooms for variety.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

storage/reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or in oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown ingredients first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered until reduced or use a cornstarch slurry.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What liquid is best for this recipe?

Use a robust dark flavorful liquid with good depth for richness.

Can I use other herbs?

Rosemary and bay leaves are excellent additions.

How to keep meat tender?

Cook low and slow, avoid overcooking.

Are pearl onions necessary?

No, but they add sweetness and texture.

Can I omit the cured meat alternative?

Yes, but it adds smoky, savory depth.

What sides go well?

Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread are perfect companions.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Bourguignon offers tender, flavorful beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce with hearty vegetables and mushrooms. This classic stew is elegant yet approachable, ideal for family dinners or special occasions alike.