Beef Bourguignon — a timeless French classic — has all the makings of a perfect comfort meal: tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, carrots, onions, and a rich red wine-infused sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.
Traditionally, this dish can require several pots and hours of prep, but this one-pot version brings all the deep, luxurious flavors together with half the effort.
It’s elegant enough for entertaining but cozy enough for a quiet night in. Best of all, everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and a deeply layered flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl.
My Opinion
I absolutely love making this one-pot Beef Bourguignon — it’s the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma while it simmers. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how easy it was to get restaurant-level results at home.
The red wine adds a deep, rich flavor that blends perfectly with the beef and vegetables, and the slow simmering gives the meat that fall-apart tenderness you only get from true comfort food.
I also love how forgiving this recipe is. Once everything is in the pot, you can simply let it work its magic while you prep sides or relax. The sauce becomes beautifully glossy and flavorful, and every bite feels like a reward for the little bit of patience it requires.
For me, this dish is the definition of hearty home cooking — warm, rustic, and deeply satisfying. It’s my go-to when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something soul-soothing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍷 One Pot Magic – Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is easy and flavors meld beautifully.
- 🥩 Tender, Fall-Apart Beef – Slow simmering makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- 🍄 Deep, Savory Flavor – Red wine, herbs, and vegetables create a rich, luxurious sauce.
- 🕰️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- 🍽️ Versatile & Impressive – Perfect for cozy dinners or elegant gatherings.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Merlot)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the onion, slice the carrots and mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels — this helps the meat brown properly and develop deeper flavor.
2. Sear the Beef
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each piece until browned on all sides — about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, reduce the heat slightly and add the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the red wine, scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon — that’s where the rich flavor hides!
5. Combine and Simmer
Return the seared beef to the pot along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender and the sauce thick and glossy.
7. Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a Good Quality Wine – Choose a red wine you’d actually enjoy drinking; it enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Sear – Browning the beef first adds a deep, caramelized richness to the sauce.
- Add Veggies Later if You Prefer Firmer Texture – To avoid mushy vegetables, add carrots and mushrooms halfway through simmering.
- Make It Ahead – This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Crusty French Bread – Ideal for dipping.
- Buttered Egg Noodles – Traditional and comforting.
- Roasted Vegetables – Adds color and balance to the meal.
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of the same wine used in the recipe for a seamless flavor experience.
Variations
- Quick Weeknight Version: Use ground beef for faster cooking (ready in under 45 minutes).
- No-Wine Option: Replace the wine with beef broth and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Slow Cooker Method: After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef for extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a hearty, meat-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Beef Bourguignon without wine?
Yes! Simply replace the wine with more beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar to maintain depth of flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Let the stew cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This One Pot Beef Bourguignon is the perfect blend of French tradition and modern simplicity.
With minimal effort and just one pot, you get all the comforting richness of tender beef, vegetables, and red wine sauce.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something warm and cozy, this recipe delivers flavor and elegance every time.
Category: Dinner • Comfort Food • Main Course • French Cuisine
One Pot Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients. Chop the onion, slice the carrots and mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels — this helps the meat brown properly and develop deeper flavor.
- Sear the Beef. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each piece until browned on all sides — about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables. In the same pot, reduce the heat slightly and add the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the red wine, scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon — that’s where the rich flavor hides!
- Combine and Simmer. Return the seared beef to the pot along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Low and Slow. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender and the sauce thick and glossy.
- Final Touches. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving.
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.