Beef Bourguignon

Tender fall apart chunks of beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy makes Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon an incredible family dinner. Here we use the traditional Oven method . It is Easy to make, but be sure to follow every step. It is worth it.

Yield:
6 to 8 persons
Category:
Beef
Cuisine:
French
Prep Time:
30 min
Cooking Time:
3 hrs 0 min
Total Time:
3 hrs 30 min

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 ounces (170g) bacon, roughly chopped
  • 3 pounds (1 1/2 kg) beef brisket, trimmed of fat (chuck steak or stewing beef) cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 large carrot sliced 1/2-inch thick
  • 1 parsnip (optional)
  • 1 large white onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 1 pinch coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 12 small pearl onions (optional)
  • 1 bottle French red wine
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 beef bullion cube, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (divided)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 pound fresh small white or brown mushrooms, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat the oil in a large dutch oven or heavy based pot. Sauté the bacon over medium heat for about 6 minutes, until crisp and browned. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large dish and set aside.
  3. Pat dry beef with paper towel; sear in batches in the hot oil/bacon fat until browned on all sides. Remove to the dish with the bacon. In the remaining oil/bacon fat, sauté the carrots and diced onions until softened, (about 5 minutes), then add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat (leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan) and return the bacon and beef back into the pot; season with 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Sprinkle with flour, toss well and cook for 2 minutes to brown the flour.
  4. Add the pearl onions, wine and enough stock so that the meat is barely covered. Then add the tomato paste, bullion and herbs. Bring to a simmer on the stove.
  5. Cover, transfer to lower part