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Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon
Have you ever wondered how you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen without the fuss of an extensive cleanup? The secret lies in the delightfully simple Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon recipe. Despite its French roots and often intimidating reputation, this dish can be mastered in just one pot, turning complex cooking techniques into an accessible culinary experience. With this recipe, you’ll uncover how to enjoy a rich, flavorful meal in just 90 minutes—a solid 20% decrease in time compared to traditional methods. Ready to impress your family with this delectable classic?
Ingredients List
To create your Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes (substitutes: sirloin or stew meat)
- 4 strips of bacon, diced
- 2 cups red wine (choose a full-bodied option like Burgundy or Merlot)
- 1 cup beef broth (you can swap with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour (can use gluten-free alternatives)
- 1 handful of fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pearl onions (frozen works great)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (choose shiitake or cremini for added depth)
These rich ingredients come together to create a dish brimming with aromatic undertones and savory delights.
Timing
This Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon takes approximately 20 minutes to prep and 70 minutes to cook, totaling 90 minutes. That’s a swift approach compared to traditional recipes that can take over two hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Bacon
In your heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In the same pot, increase the heat to medium-high and brown the beef in batches to retain tenderness. Each batch should take about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and pearl onions into the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for another minute, infusing the dish with aromatic goodness.
Step 4: Mix in Flour and Tomato Paste
Dust the sautéed vegetables with flour, stirring well to coat. Add the tomato paste. This step not only thickens the sauce but also enhances the rich flavor profile.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This is crucial as it adds depth to the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let cook for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Add the Mushrooms
In the final 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the sliced mushrooms. Allow them to cook down while absorbing the stew’s flavors.
Nutritional Information
This Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon serves about 6 portions, with an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving being:
- Calories: 400-450 cal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
-
Fiber: 2g
This dish balances protein and healthy fats, making it satisfying while still being mindful of dietary choices.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten your Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon? Here are some modifications:
- Use leaner cuts of beef, such as round steaks or brisket.
- Replace half the red wine with low-sodium beef broth.
- Incorporate more vegetables (think bell peppers and zucchini) to enhance fiber content and flavor without adding many calories.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon, consider these serving tips:
- Serve it over mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for an indulgent twist.
- Pair with a simple side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- For a cozy finish, top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pot: Brown the beef in batches to ensure proper cooking and flavor development.
- Neglecting Deglazing: Always scrape the bottom to amalgamate those delectable flavors into your sauce.
- Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs amplify the dish’s flavor significantly—don’t omit them.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon fresh:
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just reheat on the stove or in the microwave for quick enjoyment later!
Conclusion
In summary, the Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon is a delicious, accessible dish that offers rich flavor without the mess. With its straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated steps, it’s an excellent choice for weekday dinners or elevating your weekend meals. Ready to dive in? Try your hand at this recipe, and share your thoughts or variations in the comments below! For more delightful recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our other posts.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Follow the same steps, then transfer to a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: What can I substitute for red wine?
A: Grape juice with a splash of vinegar can mimic the acidity and flavor base of red wine.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Swap out beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth along with hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini.
Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own!

Easy One-Pot Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients
Meat and Bacon
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes substitutes: sirloin or stew meat
- 4 strips bacon, diced
Liquids
- 2 cups red wine choose a full-bodied option like Burgundy or Merlot
- 1 cup beef broth you can swap with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup pearl onions frozen works great
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced choose shiitake or cremini for added depth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour can use gluten-free alternatives
- 1 handful fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In your heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- In the same pot, increase the heat to medium-high and brown the beef in batches for about 4-5 minutes each.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
Cooking
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and pearl onions into the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Dust the sautéed vegetables with flour, stirring well to coat.
- Add the tomato paste to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return the beef and bacon to the pot, add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 60 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms in the final 15 minutes of cooking.