Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a taste of classic French cuisine to your dinner table, Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon is the answer. Renowned as a French classic, this dish combines rich ingredients like beef, bacon, mushrooms, and red wine to create a hearty meal that’s sure to impress.

Ina Garten’s recipe is celebrated for its simplicity and elegance, making it accessible for home cooks looking to add a touch of sophistication to their menus.

I had the pleasure of trying this dish while watching the “Barefoot Contessa” on Food Network, and it did not disappoint. The aroma fills the kitchen as it simmers, promising a delightful dining experience.

The process of preparing the beef and vegetables in the wine-infused sauce makes cooking feel like an event worth savoring with friends or family.

For those who enjoy food-related documentaries, following Ina Garten’s approach in the kitchen is like watching a master at work. Her method ensures that each ingredient shines in its own right while contributing to a harmonious whole.

Cooking Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon using her recipe offers both a delicious meal and a rewarding culinary adventure you can’t help but enjoy.

What Makes This Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe Special?

Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon stands out with its mix of timeless techniques and simple ingredients. This dish is a comforting stew made with tender chunks of beef, which are seared to lock in flavor.

A key element is the bacon, adding a smoky depth to the stew. The recipe also involves slow cooking, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

The rich sauce comes from a blend of red wine and beef stock. This liquid not only enhances the beef’s flavor but also helps create a broth that’s both hearty and elegant.

Unlike a typical beef stew, this version is inspired by the classic French dish, Boeuf Bourguignon, popularized by Julia Child. Ina’s approach simplifies the process while maintaining the essence of the French countryside.

Vegetables such as carrots and onions are cooked until they are perfectly tender. They complement the beef and add layers of flavor to each bite.

Flour is used to thicken the stew, ensuring a silky sauce. A unique touch from Ina is the addition of frozen onions and sautéed mushrooms at the end, enhancing the dish’s complexity.

This recipe celebrates simplicity and tradition, making it perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients For Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

When making Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon, you’ll need a handful of ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish. Let’s make sure you have everything ready.

Main Ingredients:

• Beef Chuck: 2 1/2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. This is the base of your stew.
• Bacon: 8 ounces of dry cured center cut applewood smoked bacon, diced.

Vegetables:

• Carrots: Slice these to add sweetness and texture.
• Yellow Onions: These will add depth to your stew.
• Garlic: Crush a few cloves for added aroma and flavor.

Liquids and Seasonings:

• Red Wine: You’ll need a good amount to bring out the richness of the beef.
• Beef Broth: This will add more flavor to your stew.
• Cognac: Just a splash for a touch of sophistication.
• Olive Oil: Use a tablespoon of good quality for searing.

Thickening Agents and Spices:

• Butter and Flour: Combined to thicken the stew.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a slight tang and deepens the color of the sauce.
• Fresh Thyme: Offers a fragrant herbal note.

Additional Ingredients:

• Mushrooms: Sauté until golden for an earthy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Parsley: Chopped for garnish.

Make sure you also have a Dutch Oven handy for cooking. This recipe is all about layering flavors; each ingredient plays an important role.

Step-By-Step Guide To Making Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by gathering 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 8 ounces of diced bacon, and 2 1/2 pounds of beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure your beef cubes are dry using paper towels before adding salt and pepper for seasoning.

Cook the Bacon:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside.

Sear the Beef:

Increase the heat and use the bacon fat to sear the beef. Sear in batches in a single layer. Cook about 3-5 minutes, turning so all sides are browned. Remove from the pot and set aside with the bacon.

Cook Vegetables:

Add sliced carrots and sliced onions to the same pot. Cook until softened. Then add garlic and cook for one more minute.

Combine Ingredients:

Return the bacon and beef to the pot. Add 2 cups of red wine and enough beef broth to barely cover the meat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and a bouquet garni made with thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Simmer and Oven:

Bring everything to a simmer, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Place in an oven preheated to 250°F for about 1 1/4 hours or until the meat is tender.

Thicken the Stew:

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of butter with flour. Stir this into the stew to thicken it. Add frozen onions and sautéed mushrooms to enrich the dish.

This method ensures that each step brings out the flavors, making this classic French dish comforting and delicious.

Tips For The Perfect Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Choose Quality Ingredients: Start with good olive oil, applewood smoked bacon, and chuck beef. Fresh vegetables like carrots and onions will enhance the flavor.

Pat the Beef Dry: Before cooking, use paper towels to pat the beef cubes dry. This helps achieve a nice sear and locks in flavor.

Season Well: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the beef cubes before searing. This ensures the flavors are balanced throughout the dish.

Sear in Batches: To brown the beef evenly, sear it in batches without crowding the pan. This process develops a rich color and flavor.

Enhance with Aromatics: Use fresh garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to add depth to the aroma.

Thicken the Stew Properly: Mix flour with softened butter and stir it into the stew. Stir in frozen onions and sautéed mushrooms at the end for added texture and flavor.

Cook Slowly: Allow the stew to simmer on low heat. This slow cooking ensures the meat is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Check for Consistency: Before serving, ensure the sauce has thickened to your liking. If needed, adjust with more flour or broth.

Enjoy the Process: Cooking this dish is about patience and attention to detail. Taking your time will ensure a delightful final result.

How To Customize Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe For Different Diets

For Vegetarians: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. Add a splash of soy sauce for umami.

Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute flour with a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the stew. Ensure all ingredients, like broth and bacon, are gluten-free.

Low-Carb Version: Skip the flour and thicken the stew using xanthan gum or reduce it down naturally by simmering longer. Replace potatoes with turnips or cauliflower.

Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter. Ensure any added ingredients, like bacon, do not contain dairy additives.

Vegan Modifications: Follow the vegetarian steps, but also omit bacon. Use a mix of smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for the smoky flavor. Opt for plant-based butter.

Low-Sodium Choice: Use low-sodium broth and skip additional salt. Season with herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor.

When making any of these changes, remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe Storage And Meal Prep Tips

To keep your Beef Bourguignon fresh, proper storage is key. Once it has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This helps maintain the rich flavors of the stew.

If you plan to make Beef Bourguignon ahead of time, consider preparing it a day in advance. The flavors deepen as they meld together in the sauce.

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat until it’s warmed through.

For meal prep, you can cook and store individual components separately. For example, sear and store the beef separately from the vegetables. This makes it easy to assemble and heat the next day.

An important tip is to store the stew in portions that fit your needs. This way, you only reheat what you need, keeping the rest fresh.

Use proper containers like glass or sturdy plastic to avoid leaks and odors in the fridge or freezer. Label containers with dates to ensure freshness.

By organizing your storage and meal prep properly, you can enjoy Beef Bourguignon at its best taste and quality even days after cooking.

Pairing Ideas For Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Beef Bourguignon is a rich and hearty dish with deep flavors, making it a centerpiece for any dinner.

Bread is a perfect companion for this dish. Crusty baguettes or sour dough bread work well. You can use them to soak up the flavorful sauce.

For a lighter side, green salads are an excellent choice.

Toss some mixed greens with vinaigrette and sprinkle with parmesan cheese to add a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.

You might consider mashed potatoes, which are also great for soaking up the sauce. The creamy texture complements the tenderness of the beef.

Another option could be roasted vegetables. Try carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Their roasted flavors add depth and variety to the meal.

If you’re looking to add a twist, think about serving it with polenta or egg noodles. Both absorb the sauce nicely and provide a satisfying base for the dish.