True to Tradition Beef Bourguignon

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

A slow-simmered French stew that honors 19th-century techniques, using only quality ingredients for authentic depth of flavor. This french-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs Beef chuck, Bacon, medium Onion 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 2 lbs beef chuck into 1.5-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, cook 4 oz diced bacon over medium heat until crisp (5 minutes), then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Sear beef in bacon fat until browned on all sides (5 minutes per batch), then remove. Add 2 diced onions and 2 diced carrots to pot, cooking until softened (5 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over vegetables, stirring 1 minute to cook off raw taste. Return beef and bacon to pot, then pour in 2 cups red wine, scraping pot bottom for browned bits.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 bay leaves and 1 tbsp thyme. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender, stirring occasionally and adding water if too thick.
  5. Step 5: Discard bay leaves, skim excess fat, and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does True to Tradition 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 Tradition 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 Tradition 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 Tradition 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 Tradition Beef Bourguignon?

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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