Name: Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes; 6 oz bacon, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy); 2 cups beef stock; 1 bouquet garni (parsley, thyme, bay leaf); 8 pearl onions, peeled; 1 lb mushrooms, sliced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s something magical about the rich, deep aroma of Beef Bourguignon bubbling away on the stove. This iconic French dish, made famous by culinary legends like Anthony Bourdain, is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication. With tender beef, earthy vegetables, and a luxurious wine-infused sauce, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a masterpiece.

I remember the first time I tried Anthony Bourdain's version of Beef Bourguignon. It wasn’t just a meal – it was an experience. Each bite brought me closer to understanding his philosophy: cooking as an art form, a way to connect with the world. Ready to take a page out of his book? Let’s dive into this timeless recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Bourguignon

Get ready to be transported to a quaint French bistro with every bite of this dish. Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon is not just a recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of French cuisine.

First, the flavors are nothing short of extraordinary. Rich, velvety red wine blends seamlessly with tender chunks of beef, creating a sauce so good you’ll want to mop it up with crusty bread.

Second, it’s an experience for the senses. The aroma of slow-simmering beef and aromatic vegetables fills your kitchen, making this the perfect dish for entertaining or treating yourself to a culinary escape.

Lastly, while it may sound complex, Bourdain’s method breaks it down into manageable steps. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef by the time you serve this dish, and the results are well worth the effort.

So, gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s create magic in the kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Beef Bourguignon lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building depth and flavor.

Beef chuck is the star of the show. Its marbling ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking. While you could opt for brisket or short ribs, chuck delivers the best balance of flavor and texture.

Red wine is the soul of this dish. Choose a dry Burgundy or a similarly robust red wine to match the bold flavors. Avoid cooking wines – a good bottle of Pinot Noir or Merlot will elevate the dish.

Pearl onions add a touch of sweetness and texture. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen pearl onions work just as well without compromising the dish's integrity.

Lardons or thick-cut bacon bring a smoky, salty note. They render down to provide the base for sautéing and add a rich umami flavor.

For special equipment, a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is essential. Its even heat distribution ensures the dish cooks evenly and develops those signature deep flavors.

How to Make This Beef Bourguignon

Creating Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon is a labor of love, but each step is designed to build incredible flavor. Here’s how it all comes together:

Prep and Sear the Beef
Begin by patting your beef chuck dry with paper towels – this ensures a perfect sear. Heat a drizzle of oil in your Dutch oven and brown the beef in batches. The goal is a deep golden crust that locks in flavor. Set the seared beef aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, cook the lardons until crispy, then remove and set aside. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the rendered fat. Cook until softened, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in a generous amount of red wine, stirring to lift the fond from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
Build the Stew
Return the beef and bacon to the pot, along with garlic, tomato paste, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Add beef stock until the meat is just covered. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Low and Slow Cooking
Cover the pot and transfer it to a low oven (325°F) or keep it simmering gently on the stovetop. Cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
Add Final Touches
In the last 30 minutes, toss in pearl onions and mushrooms. They’ll soak up the rich sauce and add texture. Finish with a knob of butter to gloss the sauce before serving.

Serve your Beef Bourguignon with buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a crusty baguette. Total cooking time is about 3.5 hours, but the depth of flavor you achieve is well worth the wait.

Storage Options

Beef Bourguignon stores beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.

Refrigeration: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or wine to loosen the sauce as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of Beef Bourguignon invites endless variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Protein Swap: Use pork shoulder or lamb for a unique twist. Both work beautifully with the wine-based sauce.
Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms and root vegetables. Use vegetable stock and a splash of soy sauce to mimic the umami depth.
Wine Alternatives: While traditional recipes call for red wine, you can substitute with a mix of beef broth and balsamic vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of cognac during deglazing or a handful of dried porcini mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy depth.

Experiment with sides, herbs, and seasoning – this dish is forgiving and flexible, allowing you to make it truly your own.

Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of culinary craftsmanship. Whether you’re savoring it on a quiet evening or sharing it with loved ones, this dish brings a touch of French elegance to your table. Ready to try it? Bon appétit!