Name: Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 bottle of red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir); 2 cups beef broth; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 carrots, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon thyme; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 4 ounces bacon, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons flour; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Craving a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion? The Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon is just what you need. This classic French recipe, made famous by the Pioneer Woman, features tender beef, rich red wine, and aromatic herbs. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

What is Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon?

Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon is a savory stew made with beef braised in red wine, complemented by vegetables like carrots, onions, and mushrooms. This dish is known for its rich flavor and tender meat, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Delicious and Hearty: The rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Comfort Food: Great for cozy nights or cold-weather meals.

Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day.
Versatile Side Dishes: Pairs well with a variety of sides.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon

To make Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon, you will need the following ingredients:

2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 bottle of red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
2 cups beef broth

1 large onion, chopped
4 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon thyme

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
4 ounces bacon, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon

Prep the Ingredients: Cut the beef into cubes and chop the vegetables.
Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sear the Beef: In the same pot, sear the beef cubes in batches. Set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: Sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.
Add the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute.
Combine Ingredients: Return the beef and bacon to the pot, and add wine, broth, bay leaf, and thyme.

Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
Cook the Mushrooms: In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until browned, then add to the pot.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix flour with water to create a slurry, stir into the stew and cook until thickened.

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect base to soak up the rich sauce.
Buttered Noodles: Adds a comforting texture.

Crusty Bread: Great for sopping up the flavorful gravy.
Green Beans: A fresh, crisp side to balance the richness.
Red Wine: Pairs perfectly with the deep flavors of the dish.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon

Choose the Right Wine: Use a good quality red wine for the best results.
Brown the Beef Well: Ensures depth of flavor in the stew.
Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking tenderizes the meat.

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley enhance the flavors.
Don’t Rush the Process: Allow enough time for the stew to develop its full flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season towards the end of cooking.

Rest Before Serving: Let the stew sit for a bit before serving to melt the flavors.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon

Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with hearty vegetables like eggplant or tofu.
Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.

Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Lighter Version: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef.
Instant Pot: Speed up the process by using a pressure cooker.

Different Wines: Experiment with different red wines for varied flavors.

Storing Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon: Best Practices

Cool Completely: Allow the stew to cool before storing.
Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.

Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Label and Date: Always label with the date before freezing.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon: Best Practices

Thaw Properly: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Stovetop Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat.
Microwave Option: Use the microwave for quicker reheating.

Add Liquid: Add a splash of broth or water if the stew thickens too much.
Stir Frequently: Ensure even heating by stirring frequently.

What Ingredients Can I Replace Or Substitute While Making It?

When making Beef Bourguignon, there are several ingredients you can replace or substitute without compromising the dish’s flavor and integrity:

Beef: Substitute with lamb or pork for a different protein. For a vegetarian version, use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or tofu.
Red Wine: If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace the red wine with beef broth or a combination of beef broth and grape juice for a similar depth of flavor.
Bacon: For a halal or vegetarian option, omit the bacon or use turkey bacon instead.

Mushrooms: Substitute with other earthy vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers if you’re not a fan of mushrooms.
Pearl Onions: Regular onions or shallots can be used in place of pearl onions.
Flour: For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce.

Tomato Paste: Substitute with an equal amount of canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes if you don’t have tomato paste on hand.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g

Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Sodium: 800mg

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FAQs

What’s the difference between Beef Bourguignon and beef stew?

Beef Bourguignon is a specific type of beef stew that originates from the Burgundy region of France. It is traditionally made with red wine, typically Burgundy wine, which imparts a rich and deep flavor to the dish. Additionally, Beef Bourguignon often includes ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, and pearl onions, distinguishing it from other beef stews which might use broth or beer and have a different set of vegetables and seasonings.

What cut of beef is best for Beef Bourguignon?

The best cut of beef for Beef Bourguignon is beef chuck. This cut is well-marbled, meaning it has enough fat to keep the meat tender and flavorful after long cooking times. Other suitable cuts include brisket, beef shin, or even short ribs, all of which benefit from the slow braising process used in this recipe.

What is the best wine for Beef Bourguignon?

The best wine for Beef Bourguignon is a full-bodied red wine, typically a Burgundy (Pinot Noir) or a good quality red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine adds depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the beef and vegetables.

Why is the beef in my Beef Bourguignon tough?

If the beef in your Beef Bourguignon is tough, it is likely due to undercooking or using the wrong cut of meat. Toughness can occur when the beef hasn’t been cooked long enough to break down the connective tissues, or if the heat was too high. Ensure you simmer the stew slowly on low heat for the recommended time to achieve tender meat.

How do you tenderize beef for Beef Bourguignon?

To tenderize beef for Beef Bourguignon, use a combination of slow cooking and marinating. Marinate the beef in red wine for a few hours or overnight to start breaking down the fibers. During cooking, make sure to sear the beef to lock in the juices and then simmer it slowly in the wine-based sauce for several hours until the meat becomes tender.

Does beef get more tender the longer you stew it?

Yes, beef generally gets more tender the longer you stew it, as long as it is cooked at a low temperature. Slow cooking allows the collagen in the connective tissue to break down into gelatin, making the meat tender and flavorful. However, be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the meat to become dry and stringy.

How long does it take to cook Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon?

Cooking Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon typically takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. This includes 30 minutes of preparation time and around 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking. The long-simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender beef and a rich, savory sauce.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon ahead of time. In fact, this dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How can I thicken the sauce for Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon?

To thicken the sauce for Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon, you can use a flour slurry. Mix two tablespoons of flour with an equal amount of water to create a smooth paste. Stir this slurry into the simmering stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Beef Bourguignon is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. With its rich flavors and tender beef, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results!