Beef Tips Burgundy: A Decadent and Flavorful Classic

Beef Tips Burgundy, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon, is a classic French stew that’s rich, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. Tender beef tips are simmered in a robust red wine sauce with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, creating a truly unforgettable dish. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making Beef Tips Burgundy at home, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.

What Makes Beef Tips Burgundy So Special?

Several factors contribute to the unique appeal of Beef Tips Burgundy:

* **Tender Beef:** The key to a great Beef Tips Burgundy is using high-quality beef tips that are properly browned and braised until incredibly tender. The slow cooking process breaks down the tough fibers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
* **Rich Red Wine Sauce:** The heart of the dish is the Burgundy wine sauce. Using a good quality dry red wine (like Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon) adds depth and complexity to the flavor. The wine is reduced with beef broth and aromatics to create a luscious and savory sauce.
* **Earthy Mushrooms:** Mushrooms add an earthy and umami element to the stew. They absorb the flavors of the wine and beef broth, becoming incredibly flavorful and tender.
* **Savory Bacon or Pancetta:** Bacon or pancetta provides a smoky and salty base to the dish. The rendered fat adds richness and depth of flavor.
* **Aromatic Vegetables:** Onions, carrots, and celery (mirepoix) form the foundation of the flavor profile. They are sautéed to release their sweetness and create a complex aromatic base.
* **Slow Braising:** The slow braising process allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become incredibly tender. This method also helps to thicken the sauce naturally.

Ingredients for Beef Tips Burgundy

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Beef Tips Burgundy:

* **2 pounds Beef Tips:** Look for well-marbled beef tips, preferably from the chuck or sirloin. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
* **1 tablespoon Olive Oil:** For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
* **4 ounces Bacon or Pancetta:** Diced. Adds a smoky and salty flavor.
* **1 large Onion:** Chopped. Provides a sweet and savory base.
* **2 Carrots:** Chopped. Adds sweetness and texture.
* **2 Celery Stalks:** Chopped. Adds aromatic depth.
* **8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms:** Quartered or sliced. Adds earthy flavor.
* **2 cloves Garlic:** Minced. Adds pungent flavor.
* **1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour:** For thickening the sauce.
* **1 (750ml) bottle Dry Red Wine:** Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Adds depth and complexity.
* **2 cups Beef Broth:** Enhances the beefy flavor of the sauce.
* **1 tablespoon Tomato Paste:** Adds richness and acidity.
* **1 teaspoon Dried Thyme:** Adds herbal aroma.
* **1 Bay Leaf:** Adds subtle flavor. Remove before serving.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).
* **Egg Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, or Crusty Bread:** For serving.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot:** Essential for browning the beef and braising the stew.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the vegetables and beef.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Spatula or Wooden Spoon:** For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Beef Tips Burgundy

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and authentic Beef Tips Burgundy:

**Step 1: Prepare the Beef**

* Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly.
* Season generously with salt and black pepper.

**Step 2: Brown the Beef**

* Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the beef tips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it.
* Brown the beef on all sides until deeply golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
* Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Vegetables**

* Add the diced bacon or pancetta to the pot and cook over medium heat until crispy.
* Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

**Step 4: Deglaze the Pot and Add Flour**

* Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (fond). This is where a lot of flavor resides!
* Bring the wine to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

**Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Add the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
* Return the browned beef and cooked bacon to the pot.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.

**Step 6: Braise the Beef Tips Burgundy**

* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
* Check the stew periodically and add more beef broth if needed to keep the beef submerged in the liquid.

**Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (if needed)**

* If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid from the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the stew. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

**Step 8: Season and Serve**

* Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
* Serve the Beef Tips Burgundy hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Beef Tips Burgundy

* **Use Good Quality Beef:** The quality of the beef will greatly impact the final result. Choose well-marbled beef tips for the best flavor and tenderness.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot When Browning the Beef:** Browning the beef in batches ensures that it sears properly and develops a flavorful crust. Overcrowding the pot will steam the beef instead of browning it.
* **Use a Good Quality Red Wine:** Choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking. Burgundy, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon are all good options. Avoid cooking wines, as they often contain added salt and preservatives.
* **Don’t Skip the Mirepoix:** The combination of onions, carrots, and celery (mirepoix) is essential for building a flavorful base for the stew.
* **Be Patient:** The slow braising process is key to tenderizing the beef and developing the rich flavors of the stew. Don’t rush it!
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the stew frequently and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The flavors will develop and deepen as it simmers.
* **Make it Ahead:** Beef Tips Burgundy is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as parsnips, turnips, or potatoes.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Rosemary or oregano can be used in place of thyme.
* **Add a Splash of Brandy:** A splash of brandy added to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking can add extra depth of flavor.
* **Slow Cooker or Instant Pot:** This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Follow the instructions for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or on high pressure for 45 minutes in an Instant Pot.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Tips Burgundy is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Egg Noodles:** A classic pairing that allows the sauce to coat the noodles beautifully.
* **With Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying base for the stew.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Over Rice:** A simple and easy option that works well with the rich flavors of the stew.
* **With Polenta:** Creamy polenta is another great option for serving with Beef Tips Burgundy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Beef Tips Burgundy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Beef Tips Burgundy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Beef Tips Burgundy is a truly special dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, rich red wine sauce, and earthy mushrooms, it’s a flavor combination that’s hard to resist. This recipe provides a detailed guide to making Beef Tips Burgundy at home, so you can enjoy this classic French stew whenever you like. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Beef Tips Burgundy!