French Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef chunks simmered in red wine with mushrooms and aromatic herbs for a rich, classic French stew. This french-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then toss in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deeply caramelized on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 2 sliced medium carrots and 1 chopped large yellow onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups dry red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, simmering for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook slowly for 2 1/2 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: In the last 30 minutes, add 8 oz halved button mushrooms to the pot and continue simmering uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken.
  7. Step 7: Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or potatoes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does French Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover French Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in French Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale French Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with French Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms?

French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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