Julias Cozy Beef Bourguignon

This French Beef Stew Is Julias Cozy Bourguignon

By Mia WestlakeSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Time for Some Classic Comfort

Ever have one of those days where you just need a hug? Well, food can hug you too! This French Beef Stew Is basically that hug in a bowl.

Trust me, you deserve it. It's not just any Beef Stew Recipe ; it's an experience.

The Story Behind the Stew

Beef Bourguignon Recipe has roots deep in French culinary tradition. It was peasant food, elevated! Tender beef, rich red wine, earthy mushrooms.

.. it’s Classic French Stew Recipe perfection. Think of it as the Comfort Food Recipes your grandma would make... if your grandma was French! This recipe is medium difficulty.

It takes about 4 hours total, but most of that is hands off Dutch Oven Cooking time. It makes enough for 6-8 hungry folks, perfect for a Sunday dinner or a cozy gathering.

Why You'll Love This Beef Bourguignon

Honestly, the biggest benefit is the taste. Red Wine Beef Stew is so rich and satisfying. But it's also packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the vegetables.

I love making this Easy Beef Bourguignon when friends come over. It's impressive, but not fussy. Plus, it makes your house smell amazing.

It is perfect for a cold winter night. This isn't just any Beef Bourguignon Recipe ; it’s one you’ll make again and again.

It may not be exactly Julia Child Beef Bourguignon , but it's inspired by her, and it's damn delicious! Ready to get cooking? First, let's gather our ingredients.

Time to Gear Up! Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment

Julias Cozy Beef Bourguignon presentation

Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty. We are going to make the most amazing French Beef Stew . I call it my Julia's Cozy Beef Bourguignon .

Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds. Seriously.

Main Ingredients: The Star Power

Here's what you need. Don't skimp on quality, okay?

Beef Chuck: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), cut into lovely 2 inch (5 cm) cubes. Look for well marbled beef. That's the key to tender, melt-in-your mouth goodness. Seriously look for the best one on the butchery.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). This is for searing.
Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 g).
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g).
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (16g). To thicken the sauce.
Bacon: 4 oz (115g) thick cut, cut into small pieces. Oh, the bacon. This is were the magic starts.
Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1.5 cups (225g).
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. About 1 cup (150g).
Celery: 2 ribs , chopped. About 1 cup (150g).
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
Dry Red Wine: 3 cups (710 ml). Burgundy or Pinot Noir is great. The Red Wine Beef Stew is so amazing. Don't use cooking wine, though! Use something you would actually drink .
Beef Broth: 2 cups (475 ml).
Bouquet Garni: Thyme, parsley, bay leaf tied together. It adds this je ne sais quoi.
Cremini Mushrooms: 1 lb (450g), quartered.
Butter: 1 tablespoon (15 ml), unsalted.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
Pearl Onions: 1/2 cup (50g), peeled.

Seasoning Secrets & Flavor Boosts

Okay, the right spices make all the difference. Honestly.

Bouquet garni is a must. Thyme, parsley, and bay leaf are the trifecta.
Don't skip the garlic. It brings the dish to life.
Salt and pepper is the base. Taste and adjust as you go. The Beef Bourguignon Recipe should be perfect for your taste.
A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can add warmth.

Quick sub? If you don't have bouquet garni, a teaspoon of dried Herbs de Provence works in a pinch.

The Gear You'll Need to Get Cooking

Keep it simple. You don't need fancy gadgets.

Dutch Oven: You NEED a good one. At least 6 quart/6 liter capacity . It's essential for Dutch Oven Cooking .
Large Skillet: For searing the beef.
Cutting board and knives.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Kitchen twine. For that fancy bouquet garni.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A heavy bottomed pot will do. As long as it's oven safe. Seriously, that's important. This Easy Beef Bourguignon is all about ease and comfort.

And Comfort Food Recipes are the best, right?

Julia's Cozy Beef Bourguignon: A Classic French Stew

Want to feel like you're dining in a Parisian bistro? This French Beef Stew Is just the ticket. Think tender beef, rich red wine sauce, and that melt-in-your mouth goodness.

It's like a warm hug in a bowl. This Beef Bourguignon Recipe is inspired by Julia Child herself, making it a total classic.

It is one of those Comfort Food Recipes that are perfect for a chilly evening!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. Chop your 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck into 2 inch (5 cm) cubes.

Dice 1 large yellow onion, chop 2 carrots, chop 2 ribs celery, mince 2 cloves garlic, slice 4 oz (115g) bacon.

Quarter 1 lb (450g) of cremini mushrooms. Having everything prepped saves so much time. You know? It's the little things that make a big difference.

Cooking Like Julia: step-by-step

Beef It Up: Pat that beef dry. Season with 1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper. Coat it lightly in 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour.
Sear the Goodness: Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil in your Dutch Oven Cooking pot. Brown the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd! That's key.
Bacon Bliss: Cook 4 oz (115g) bacon until crispy in the same pot. Take it out but keep that delicious fat.
Veggie Time: Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon fat for 8- 10 minutes until soft. Add garlic and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute more.
Wine Magic: Pour in 3 cups (710 ml) dry red wine. Scrape up those browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes .
The Braise: Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth and a bouquet garni. Cover and bake at 325° F ( 160° C) .
Patience is a Virtue: Braise for 3-3. 5 hours , or until that beef is fall apart tender.
Mushroom Finale: Sauté 1/2 cup (50g) pearl onions in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter, then sauté 1 lb (450g) mushrooms in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil. Add both to the stew. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for a Perfect French Stew

Honestly, the key to a great Classic French Stew Recipe is patience. Don't rush the braising process. It’s worth the wait.

If you're short on time, consider a Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon . Also, don’t skip the deglazing step. It adds so much flavour.

And if you really want a shortcut, an Easy Beef Bourguignon version involves pre-cut stew meat.

This Red Wine Beef Stew is even better the next day! So, make it ahead for extra flavour. You know you will thank me later.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Julia Child Beef Bourguignon !

Recipe Notes: Getting the Most From This French Beef Stew Is

So, you're about to tackle my version of the Classic French Stew Recipe ! Awesome. Before you dive headfirst into the world of Dutch Oven Cooking like I did, let's go through a few notes that'll make your life easier and your Red Wine Beef Stew even more amazing.

Honestly, these tips are like cheat codes for Comfort Food Recipes .

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Think rustic chic, yeah? Ladle the stew into bowls. A dollop of creamy mashed potatoes, a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

.. ooh la la! And don't forget a hunk of crusty bread. Beef Bourguignon Recipe demands bread for soaking up every last drop.

For a drink? A glass of the same red wine you used for cooking. Makes you feel like you're in Paris, right?

Storage Tips for Your Beef Stew Recipe

Leftovers? Lucky you. Refrigerate your stew in an airtight container. It's good for up to 3 days . Freezing is also an option.

It lasts for 2-3 months in freezer safe containers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, simmer gently on the stovetop.

Or, pop it in the microwave. Either way, stir occasionally.

Variations for the Adventurous Cook

Okay, so you want to tweak things? No worries. Wanna make a Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon ? Brown the beef and veggies first.

Then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours.

Want to lose the gluten? Use gluten-free flour instead of regular all-purpose flour for dredging. That’s it! You can find gluten-free beef broth, too.

And for my vegetarian pals, swap the beef for portobello mushrooms. It's a great way to create a delicious alternative to Julia Child Beef Bourguignon .

Nutrition Basics: Tasty and Good for You

Let's break it down: Each serving will give you roughly 550-650 calories . You'll get a hearty dose of 40-50g of protein .

This Easy Beef Bourguignon is packed with nutrients from the beef and vegetables. Red wine brings antioxidants to the party.

A balanced and delicious meal!

So, there you have it! Now you're ready to create the ultimate comfort food. And remember, even if you mess up a little, it'll still taste amazing.

This is the magic of French Beef Stew ! Go on, get cooking! You've got this.

Delicious French Beef Stew The Ultimate Cozy Bourguignon Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is browning the beef so important for This French Beef Stew Is so much more delicious?

Browning the beef, or searing it, is absolutely crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor in your Beef Bourguignon. This process, called the Maillard reaction, creates complex flavor compounds that you just can't get any other way.

Think of it like toasting bread it's the difference between something bland and something truly delicious!

Can I use a different type of red wine than Burgundy or Pinot Noir in This French Beef Stew?

While Burgundy or Pinot Noir are traditionally recommended, you can definitely experiment with other dry red wines. Look for wines with similar characteristics: lighter bodied with earthy notes. A Beaujolais or even a Côtes du Rhône could work well.

Just avoid anything too tannic or oaky, as it might overpower the stew's delicate flavors.

How do I store leftover French Beef Stew, and how long will it last?

Leftover Beef Bourguignon is a gift that keeps on giving! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will last for 3-4 days. In fact, many people believe it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

This French Beef Stew Is taking longer than 3.5 hours to get tender what am I doing wrong?

Don't fret, slow cooking is an art, not a science! Several factors can affect braising time. The most common culprit is oven temperature fluctuations. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. Also, the quality of your beef can play a role. Some cuts might require a bit more time to break down.

Just keep checking it every 30 minutes until it reaches that fall apart tenderness.

Can I make French Beef Stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! A slow cooker is a fantastic way to make Beef Bourguignon even easier. Brown the beef and vegetables as instructed in the recipe, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

You might need to thicken the sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry if it's too thin.

What can I serve with This French Beef Stew Is sure to impress?

You've got a few winning options! Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes or a smooth potato purée. Crusty bread, like a baguette, is essential for soaking up that delicious sauce. For a lighter side, consider green beans almondine or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the stew.

It's a bit like pairing cheese and wine get the balance right, and you're golden.