Name: Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: Beef chuck or brisket – Cut into cubes, these cuts work best for slow cooking, becoming incredibly tender.; Olive oil – Used for browning the beef, adding a rich depth to the dish.; Bacon – Provides a smoky, savory base that enhances the overall flavor.; Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color to the stew.; Yellow onions – A foundational ingredient that develops a mellow, slightly sweet taste when cooked.; Garlic cloves – Enhances the dish with its aromatic punch.; Tomato paste – Deepens the umami flavor, adding richness to the sauce.; Red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir) – The key to the dish’s signature taste, infusing the meat with deep, bold flavors.; Beef broth – Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty richness.; Thyme sprigs – Provides an earthy, fragrant undertone.; Bay leaves – Enhances the overall complexity of the stew.; Mushrooms – Absorbs the sauce beautifully, adding a hearty texture.; Pearl onions – A classic addition that brings sweetness and enhances the visual appeal.; Flour – Used for thickening the sauce, giving it a luxurious consistency.; Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the final dish.; Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.

Ina Garten’s Beef Bourguignon is a rich, flavorful French stew that brings tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a deep red wine sauce together in perfect harmony. This dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys hearty, slow-cooked meals packed with layers of flavor. While it may seem like a complex recipe, Ina’s approach makes it manageable, even for home cooks.

What is Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon?

Beef Bourguignon, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon, is a classic French stew that originates from the Burgundy region. Ina Garten’s version stays true to its roots but simplifies the process without compromising the deep, rich taste. The dish consists of slow-braised beef cooked in red wine with onions, carrots, mushrooms, and a mix of herbs, creating a velvety, aromatic sauce. The long, slow cooking time ensures that the meat becomes fork-tender while allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

Delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home – This dish brings the elegance of French cuisine straight to your kitchen, making it perfect for dinner parties or family meals.
Perfect for make-ahead meals – The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent dish to prepare in advance for an even better taste the next day.
Uses simple, accessible ingredients – Despite its sophisticated taste, the recipe relies on everyday ingredients you can find in most grocery stores.
Great for cold weather – This comforting dish is ideal for chilly evenings, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Pairs wonderfully with various sides – Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread, the flavors blend beautifully with a range of accompaniments.
Easy to customize – You can tweak the ingredients and seasonings to match your personal preferences without losing the essence of the dish.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

Beef chuck or brisket – Cut into cubes, these cuts work best for slow cooking, becoming incredibly tender.
Olive oil – Used for browning the beef, adding a rich depth to the dish.
Bacon – Provides a smoky, savory base that enhances the overall flavor.
Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color to the stew.
Yellow onions – A foundational ingredient that develops a mellow, slightly sweet taste when cooked.
Garlic cloves – Enhances the dish with its aromatic punch.
Tomato paste – Deepens the umami flavor, adding richness to the sauce.
Red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir) – The key to the dish’s signature taste, infusing the meat with deep, bold flavors.
Beef broth – Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty richness.
Thyme sprigs – Provides an earthy, fragrant undertone.
Bay leaves – Enhances the overall complexity of the stew.
Mushrooms – Absorbs the sauce beautifully, adding a hearty texture.
Pearl onions – A classic addition that brings sweetness and enhances the visual appeal.
Flour – Used for thickening the sauce, giving it a luxurious consistency.
Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the final dish.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

Cook the bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Brown the beef: In the same pot, sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized.
Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
Simmer with broth and herbs: Add the beef broth, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and the seared beef back into the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours.
Prepare mushrooms and onions: In a separate pan, sauté pearl onions and mushrooms in butter until golden brown.
Thicken the sauce: Make a flour and butter paste, then stir it into the stew to thicken the sauce.
Combine everything: Add the sautéed mushrooms, onions, and crispy bacon back into the pot. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
Final seasoning and serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust salt and pepper, and serve hot over mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon?

Mashed potatoes for a creamy contrast – The rich sauce pairs perfectly with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes.
Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce – A fresh baguette or sourdough makes for a perfect accompaniment.
Egg noodles for a classic touch – Wide, buttery noodles complement the dish’s deep flavors.
Rice for a lighter option – Fluffy white rice absorbs the sauce beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Roasted vegetables for added texture – Caramelized Brussels sprouts, green beans, or roasted carrots add a wonderful balance.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

Choose the right cut of beef for tenderness – Chuck or brisket works best for slow cooking, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Brown the beef properly for deeper flavor – Searing the meat before braising enhances the richness of the dish.
Use a quality red wine for authenticity – A dry, full-bodied wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir adds complexity.
Simmer low and slow for perfect texture – Allowing the stew to cook at a low temperature ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
Don’t rush the thickening process – Adding a butter-flour paste gradually gives the sauce a silky texture.
Let it sit overnight for an even better taste – Like most stews, the flavors improve after a day in the fridge.
Adjust seasoning at the end for balance – Taste before serving and add salt or pepper if needed.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

Swap beef with lamb for a unique twist – A lamb version offers a slightly richer, gamey flavor.
Add potatoes for a heartier stew – Chopped potatoes absorb the sauce beautifully, making it extra filling.
Use different mushrooms for depth – Try a mix of cremini, shiitake, or porcini for added umami.
Infuse with smoky flavors using smoked paprika – A small amount of smoked paprika enhances the richness of the dish.
Make it gluten-free by skipping the flour – Use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
Incorporate pearl barley for a rustic touch – This addition adds texture and makes the dish even more satisfying.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

Refrigerate in an airtight container for freshness – Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for easy meals later – Divide into smaller servings and freeze for up to 3 months.
Label with dates to track freshness – Mark containers with preparation dates to keep track of storage time.
Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results – Defrosting slowly ensures the texture remains intact.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon

Warm on the stovetop over low heat – Gently reheating prevents the meat from drying out.
Microwave in short bursts for convenience – Use medium heat and stir occasionally for even warming.
Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture – If the stew thickens too much, a bit of broth or water helps loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Ina Garten’s Beef Bourguignon in a slow cooker. Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the wine, broth, and seasonings, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and onions in the last hour for the best texture.

How do you thicken Beef Bourguignon sauce?

Beef Bourguignon sauce can be thickened by making a beurre manié, which is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour. Stir this into the simmering stew until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, reducing the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes can also help thicken it naturally.

Can I prepare Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?

Yes, Beef Bourguignon tastes even better when made ahead of time. Cook the stew as instructed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will develop further, making it richer and more delicious when reheated on the stovetop.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Beef Bourguignon is a timeless dish that brings French bistro flavors into your home with ease. Its deep, rich sauce and tender beef make it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Try making it ahead of time to let the flavors deepen even further. Ready to enjoy a warm and flavorful meal? Give this recipe a go and experience the magic of slow-cooked perfection.