Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms Recipe

French cuisine is known for its comforting, rich, and flavorful dishes, and this Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms, or Boeuf Bourguignon, is no exception. Slow-cooked beef, tender mushrooms, and a red wine-infused broth combine to create a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or special family gatherings. With its deep, savory flavors, this stew is a timeless dish that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), halved
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir recommended)
2 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter (optional, for sautéing mushrooms)

For Serving:

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty French bread or mashed potatoes

Preparation

Prepare the Beef

Brown the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, browning all sides (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Set aside.
Cook the bacon: In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.

Sauté the Vegetables

Cook the onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add carrots and mushrooms: Toss in the sliced carrots and halved mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes. If you prefer, sauté the mushrooms separately in a little butter to enhance their flavor and texture.

Build the Stew

Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to slightly caramelize it, which adds depth to the sauce.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the stew’s flavor. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 8-10 minutes.
Add broth and seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Return the seared beef and bacon to the pot.

Slow Cook the Stew

Simmer: Bring the stew to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally.
Optional thickening: If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you used fresh thyme sprigs, remove them along with the bay leaf.
Garnish and serve: Ladle the beef stew into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty French bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.

Variations

Beef Bourguignon: For a more authentic Boeuf Bourguignon, add pearl onions and use lardons (French-style bacon) in place of regular bacon. You can also swap the mushrooms for pearl onions if preferred.
Wine-Free Version: Substitute the red wine with additional beef broth and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a rich depth of flavor without alcohol.
Vegetable Boost: Add potatoes, parsnips, or turnips to the stew for extra heartiness. Simply add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Slow Cooker Method: To prepare this dish in a slow cooker, sear the beef, cook the vegetables, and then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Cooking Note

To ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, make sure to simmer the stew on low heat for the full cooking time. Rushing the cooking process will result in tough meat. Also, be sure to use a good quality red wine for the best flavor. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it!

Serving Suggestions

This classic French beef stew is best enjoyed with a side of crusty French baguette, which can be used to mop up the savory sauce. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even a bed of fluffy rice. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.

Tips

Make Ahead: This stew is even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time, cool it, and refrigerate it overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop for a more developed flavor.
Freezing: The stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cutting the Beef: When preparing your beef, cut the cubes against the grain. This will help ensure the meat stays tender after long cooking.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

2.5 hours

Total Time:

2 hours 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 520
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 750mg

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Yes, chuck roast is recommended for its balance of flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked, but you can also use brisket or short ribs for a similarly rich result.

What kind of wine should I use for the stew?

A dry red wine like Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or even a Cabernet Sauvignon works well. Just be sure to use a wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will be prominent in the final dish.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this stew gluten-free, skip the flour or use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Also, ensure your beef broth and bacon are gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve with time, so the stew makes excellent leftovers.

Conclusion

This Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavored red wine sauce. It’s a dish that will warm your soul and impress your family or dinner guests. Whether served with mashed potatoes or simply enjoyed with crusty bread, this stew is a timeless classic that’s perfect for cozy evenings.