True-to-Form Beef Bourguignon with Mushroom Reduction

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic French stew embodying the true essence of traditional cooking, slow-simmered to perfection. This french-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs (1-inch cubes) beef chuck, olive oil, (chopped) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 170 min Serves 4 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown beef in batches for 5 minutes per batch, transferring to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped onion and 1 cup chopped carrot to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Add 1.5 cups red wine and 1 cup beef broth, scraping the pot bottom to release browned bits, then stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp fresh thyme.
  7. Step 7: Return beef to pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  8. Step 8: Simmer gently for 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  9. Step 9: Stir in 8 oz quartered mushrooms and cook for 15 minutes more.
  10. Step 10: Remove bay leaves, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken sauce, then stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does True-to-Form Beef Bourguignon with Mushroom Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (30 min prep + 170 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 True-to-Form Beef Bourguignon with Mushroom Reduction?

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 (1-inch cubes) beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True-to-Form Beef Bourguignon with Mushroom Reduction?

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 True-to-Form Beef Bourguignon with Mushroom Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 True-to-Form Beef Bourguignon with Mushroom Reduction?

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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