Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Ina Garten’s Beef Bourguignon is a timeless treat that turns cooking into a heartfelt experience (in my book at least!).

The rich sauce, laced with red wine, elevates each bite to something truly special.

To get the most out of this recipe, let the wine and beef mingle for a few hours; it’s my secret to tenderness.

I’ll share all below!

How to Make Ina Garten’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 8 oz. Bacon (thick-cut)
• 2 1/2 lbs Beef Chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 lb Carrots (sliced)
• 2 Yellow Onions (sliced)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup Cognac
• 1 bottle Red Wine (750 ml)
• 2 cups Beef Broth
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided)
• 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 lb Pearl Onions (frozen)
• 1 lb Mushrooms (sliced)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 250°F.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven.

Add the bacon and cook over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the bacon and set it aside.

Step 2:

Pat the beef cubes with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.

In batches, sear the beef in the leftover bacon fat until browned on all sides.

This should take about 5 minutes per batch.

Step 3:

Add the carrots and sliced onions to the pot with the beef.

Cook for about 10 minutes.

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4:

Add the cognac carefully and ignite the mixture with a match.

Ensure all alcohol burns away.

Stir in the tomato paste and thyme leaves.

Add the wine and beef broth, along with the bacon.

Bring to a simmer.

Step 5:

Cover the pot and place it in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until meat and vegetables are tender.

Stir occasionally.

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of butter and the flour.

Stir into the stew, along with frozen onions and mushrooms.

Simmer on the stovetop for 20 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Wine

Opt for a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for a deeper flavor profile in your beef bourguignon.

This really makes a difference!

Cooking the Bacon

Ensure you cook the bacon until crispy to add a smoky flavor to the dish.

This step is definitely worth the extra effort.

Browning the Beef

Take the time to brown the beef in batches.

This seals in the juices and enhances the flavor.

Avoid overcrowding the pot during this step.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

Use a separate pan to sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the stew.

This step gives them a lovely texture and enhances their taste.

Thickening the Sauce

If your sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer uncovered, letting it thicken naturally.

The sauce should be velvety and cling to the spoon!

What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon

Crusty French Baguette

You can’t go wrong with a classic pairing, and a crusty French baguette is always a wonderful choice with beef bourguignon.

The crispy crust and soft, chewy inside make a great vessel for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Tear off a piece and enjoy fortifying your meal with this delicious bread!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

The creamy and buttery texture of mashed potatoes complements the hearty stew beautifully.

Adding a hint of garlic to the potatoes enhances the flavors even more, making each bite exciting and savory.

Serve a generous scoop alongside to create a comforting and satisfying meal.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

For something a bit different, try roasted Brussels sprouts as an accompaniment.

These little green gems become lightly caramelized when roasted, bringing out a sweet and nutty flavor.

Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the richness of the beef.

Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Feeling adventurous? A pomegranate arugula salad could be a refreshing twist.

The peppery taste of arugula combined with the sweet, juicy burst of pomegranate seeds adds a fresh dimension.

A simple vinaigrette dressing can tie it all together nicely, adding an unexpected zest.

Parmesan Polenta

Another unique but tasty option is creamy parmesan polenta.

Its smooth, cheesy base provides a delightful contrast to the rich beef, while still being comforting.

Spoon some beef and sauce over the polenta for a lovely combination, and you’re in for a treat!

Variations and Substitutions

One fun way to personalize your beef bourguignon is to substitute the type of beef used.

Try using chuck roast for a heartier bite or filet mignon for a more tender texture.

Vegetable Choices

If you prefer different vegetables, you can swap carrots for parsnips or add turnips for extra flavor.

Frozen peas can also make a nice addition for a pop of color and sweetness.

Wine Selection

Consider changing up the wine used in this recipe.

A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a Pinot Noir can both bring unique notes to the dish.

Mushroom Options

You might experiment with different types of mushrooms such as cremini or shiitake.

These varieties can provide deeper flavors and textures to your stew.

Herb Adjustments

To adjust the aroma, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

These can enhance the stew’s fragrance and add extra complexity.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

To keep your Beef Bourguignon tasty, you need to store it properly.

First, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container once it has cooled down to room temperature.

Using a good-quality container helps maintain the stew’s flavor and texture.

Refrigerator Storage

Place the airtight container in the refrigerator if you intend to consume it within a few days.

You should aim to use up any leftovers within 3 to 4 days to maintain the dish’s delicious quality.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, placing it in the freezer is a good choice.

Make sure the container is suitable for freezing to avoid any freezer burn.

Beef Bourguignon can remain fresh for up to three months in the freezer, making it a perfect make-ahead meal option.

Labeling Tips

Don’t forget to label the container with the date before storing it.

This little trick makes it easy to track how long it’s been stored and helps you avoid any surprises later on.

Enjoy your leftovers at their best!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pan

You might be tempted to pile in all the beef at once, but overcrowding the pan can actually hinder the browning process.

When there’s too much meat in the pan, it steams rather than sears, which changes the texture.

Work in small batches to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on each piece!

Skimping on Wine

Your first instinct might be to use any wine you have on hand, but using a good quality red wine is essential for flavor.

Opt for a wine that you would be willing to drink for the best taste results.

The richness of the wine complements the meat and enhances the entire dish.

Rushing the Cooking Process

It’s crucial to allow the stew to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together.

Impatience can lead to a dish that hasn’t reached its full potential in terms of taste.

Allow the stew to cook down gently; it’s worth the wait for the tender meat and deep flavor!