Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions

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

Tender beef slowly cooked in a rich red wine sauce with sweet carrots and pearl onions, a comforting French classic perfect for a cozy meal. This french-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, olive oil, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat 2 lbs beef chuck cubes dry and toss with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour evenly coating each piece.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 3 sliced carrots and 12 peeled pearl onions; sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pot and pour in 2 cups dry red wine and 2 cups beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Bring to a simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Remove bay leaf and thyme stems before serving this rich and hearty dish with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions?

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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions?

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 Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions 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 Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions?

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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