Beef Bourguignon: A simple, affordable, and scrumptious delight

Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 2 hours

Beef Bourguignon recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 lbs (900g) Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 3 Carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) White Mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bottle (750ml) Red Wine
• 2 cups (480ml) Beef Broth
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon dried Thyme
• 2 Bay Leaves
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted Butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• Chopped Parsley for garnish

Total Calories per portion: 631.5

Method

1. Start by seasoning the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over a medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks into the dutch oven in batches, browning each piece on all sides. Once each batch is nicely browned, set the beef aside for later.
3. In the same dutch oven pot, add the chopped onion, pre-cut carrots, and minced garlic. Continue to cook these vegetables until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and let them cook until they appear browned and begin to release their fragrant mushroom juice.
5. Next, add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for a minute or so, until it begins to show a darker color.
6. Now, stir in the red wine. As you add the wine, be sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot.
7. Place the browned beef back into the pot along with the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Let the pot simmer.
8. After covering the pot, put it into a preheated oven set to 325°F (165°C) and let it cook for about 2 hours. At this point, the beef should be tender and ready.
9. For the last steps, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour and keep cooking until it turns a golden brown. Add this mixture to the pot to thicken up the bourguignon sauce.
10. Prior to serving, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for an additional hit of rich flavor.
11. To enhance the dish’s appearance and add a final layer of flavor, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the dish and serve it while hot. Bon appétit!

Enjoy this savory, budget-friendly dish on a busy weeknight or serve it at your next dinner party – either way, your taste buds will thank you.

A healthier touch to beef bourguignon

In search of healthier cooking practices? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy a delightful beef bourguignon with some health-focused twists.

Opt for lean cuts of beef to lessen the fat content. Include plenty of vegetables such as mushrooms and carrots.

Instead of butter, consider using olive oil, and opt for whole grain bread to serve it with. Also, remember to control the portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet!

Proper storage of your beef bourguignon

Once you’ve prepared your beef bourguignon, how should you store it? No problem at all! Beef bourguignon actually tastes better after a day or two, as the flavors deepen.

You can safely store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep it in a tightly sealed container to maintain its freshness.

If you’re thinking ahead, you can freeze it in portion-sized containers where it will remain good for up to 3 months.

Pairing your beef bourguignon

Wondering what to pair with your beef bourguignon for a complete meal? A side dish of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables or a crisp salad complements the rich flavors beautifully.

For a touch of Italian, serve it with some polenta.

To quench your thirst, a glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, enhances the flavors brilliantly. But for a non-alcoholic choice, a cranberry juice or a black currant cordial could be a good match.