True-to-Life Beef Bourguignon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered French classic embodying authenticity through quality ingredients and traditional techniques, resulting in fork-tender beef and rich, complex flavors. This french-inspired one pot ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, all-purpose flour, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 French cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs beef chuck cubes dry, then season with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt, coating each piece evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 cup chopped onion, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 1/2 cup sliced celery; cook for 7 minutes until softened and golden.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1 cup red wine, scraping the pot bottom to release browned bits; simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half.
  7. Step 7: Return beef to pot, add 2 cups beef broth and 1 bouquet garni, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Step 8: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender, checking occasionally to prevent drying.
  9. Step 9: Add 1/2 cup pearl onions and 1 cup baby carrots during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  10. Step 10: Remove bouquet garni, discard, and season with salt to taste before serving, garnished with 2 tbsp fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does True-to-Life Beef Bourguignon 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 True-to-Life Beef Bourguignon?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True-to-Life Beef Bourguignon?

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-Life Beef Bourguignon 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 True-to-Life Beef Bourguignon?

French one pot 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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