Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe is a classic French dish full of rich flavors. Tender beef, carrots, onions and mushrooms are cooked slowly in red wine for hours.

This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Learning how to make Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon brings French cuisine into your home.

With simple Ingredients for Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon and step-by-step guidance, even beginners can create a delicious, comforting and impressive meal.

My Experience With This Recipe

The first time I tried Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe, I was excited but nervous. Cooking with wine and slow-cooking meat felt complicated.

But the recipe was very clear and the steps were easy to follow. The smell while cooking was amazing. When I finally tasted it, the beef was tender and the sauce was deep and flavorful.

The mushrooms, onions and bacon added perfect texture. This dish quickly became a favorite in my kitchen.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs
• Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: French
• Calories: 550 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients You Need for Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon

• 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 6 oz bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 3 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Beef
Pat beef cubes dry. Season with salt and black pepper. Drying helps the beef brown properly and seals in flavor.

Cook the Bacon
In a large Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside for later.

Brown the Beef
Add olive oil to the bacon fat. Brown beef cubes on all sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Cook the Vegetables
Add chopped onions, carrots and garlic to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Add Flour
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and beef. Stir for 2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce during cooking.

Add Wine and Broth
Pour in red wine and beef broth. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits. This creates a rich base for the sauce.

Add Herbs and Bacon
Return bacon to the pot. Add tomato paste, thyme and bay leaves. Mix gently to combine flavors.

Simmer Slowly
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours. Beef becomes tender and sauce thickens beautifully.

Cook Mushrooms Separately
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until golden brown. This adds texture and earthy flavor.

Combine and Finish
Add mushrooms to the beef. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving for extra color and flavor.

Tips to Make the Best Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon

• Use a full-bodied red wine for better flavor.
• Let beef sit at room temperature before cooking.
• Brown the meat well to enhance taste.
• Simmer slowly; low heat improves tenderness.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan while browning beef reduces flavor.
• Skipping the flour can make the sauce too thin.
• Using cheap wine will affect the final taste.
• Rushing the simmering process makes beef less tender.
• Forgetting to sauté mushrooms separately reduces texture.

Serving Suggestions

Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe is best served with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Fresh crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.

Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. A glass of red wine enhances the meal. This hearty French dish is ideal for family dinners or special gatherings.

Variations You Can Try

• Add pearl onions for a sweeter, traditional flavor.
• Use baby potatoes instead of mashed potatoes as a side.
• Add a splash of brandy for extra depth in the sauce.
• Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary for a fragrant twist.
• Use a slow cooker for an easier hands-off method.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve flavor and texture.
• You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes if preferred.

Nutrition Information

Health Benefits

Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe provides protein from beef and antioxidants from vegetables. Slow cooking preserves nutrients and enhances flavor.

Using fresh herbs and quality ingredients boosts health benefits. Red wine adds antioxidants and richness without excess calories. This dish is hearty, balanced and satisfying while supporting a wholesome diet.

Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Emily Grace

Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon Recipe is a classic French dish full of rich flavors. Tender beef, carrots, onions and mushrooms are cooked slowly in red wine for hours.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs beef chuck cut into 2-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 6 oz bacon chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 3 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 oz mushrooms sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

 

Prepare the Beef

• Pat beef cubes dry. Season with salt and black pepper. Drying helps the beef brown properly and seals in flavor.

Cook the Bacon

• In a large Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside for later.

Brown the Beef

• Add olive oil to the bacon fat. Brown beef cubes on all sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Cook the Vegetables

• Add chopped onions, carrots and garlic to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Add Flour

• Sprinkle flour over vegetables and beef. Stir for 2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce during cooking.

Add Wine and Broth

• Pour in red wine and beef broth. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits. This creates a rich base for the sauce.

Add Herbs and Bacon

• Return bacon to the pot. Add tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Mix gently to combine flavors.

Simmer Slowly

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours. Beef becomes tender and sauce thickens beautifully.

Cook Mushrooms Separately

• In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until golden brown. This adds texture and earthy flavor.

Combine and Finish

• Add mushrooms to the beef. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving for extra color and flavor.

Notes

• Use a full-bodied red wine for better flavor.
• Let beef sit at room temperature before cooking.
• Brown the meat well to enhance taste.
• Simmer slowly; low heat improves tenderness.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

Keyword Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe

FAQs about Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Q1: Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or short ribs also work well for slow cooking.

Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and vegetables first, then cook in a slow cooker for 6–7 hours.

Q3: Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and add with mushrooms for extra flavor.

Q4: What wine is best for Beef Bourguignon?
Use a dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Burgundy. Avoid sweet wines for authentic taste.

Q5: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe is a classic French dish that anyone can make at home.

Learning how to make Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon brings comfort, elegance and rich flavor to your meals.

With simple Ingredients for Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon and clear, step-by-step instructions, even beginner cooks can create this delicious, hearty meal. Try it today and enjoy a taste of French cuisine in your own kitchen.

Emily Grace

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!