French Boeuf Bourguignon

This French Boeuf Bourguignon is a hearty, slow-cooked beef stew infused with deep, rich flavors—without using alcohol. Made with tender braised beef, smoky turkey, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. By replacing wine with vinegar and beef broth, this version maintains the traditional taste while making it accessible to all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Alcohol-Free Alternative – All the rich flavors of the classic dish, without the wine.
• Slow-Cooked Perfection – The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Loaded with Vegetables – A wholesome, hearty meal with carrots, onions, mushrooms, and potatoes.
• Great for Special Occasions – An elegant dish that’s perfect for family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 400g braising or stewing beef, cut into chunks
• 200g smoked turkey meat, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 10 pearl onions (or small onions), peeled
• 10 small potatoes, whole
• 400g canned tomatoes, crushed
• 300ml beef broth
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 100ml white vinegar
• 380g white mushrooms, cleaned and halved if large
• 1 bouquet garni (basil, thyme, and bay leaf)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Brown the Meat

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the smoked turkey and cook until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

4. In the same pot, add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux.

3. Deglaze & Simmer

6. Pour in the white vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Add the beef broth, canned tomatoes, bouquet garni, and cooked meats. Stir well.
8. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover and simmer on low for 45 minutes.

4. Cook the Vegetables

9. Add the carrots, pearl onions, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
10. Continue simmering for 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

5. Sauté & Add Mushrooms

11. In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms in a little oil until golden brown.
12. Stir them into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

6. Serve & Enjoy

13. Remove the bouquet garni, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
14. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Classic Version: Replace vinegar with 300ml red wine for the traditional taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute beef with mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 6-8 hours for even deeper flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! Boeuf Bourguignon tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, crusty bread, or buttered noodles.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute the beef with lamb, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Is it necessary to use smoked turkey?

No, but it adds a rich, smoky flavor. You can omit it or use smoked beef instead.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add the mushrooms in the last 30 minutes.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Yes, apple cider vinegar adds a slightly sweeter taste that complements the dish well.

Do I have to use pearl onions?

No, you can use regular chopped onions, but pearl onions add a nice sweetness.

Can I make this without potatoes?

Yes! You can serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or polenta instead.

What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?

Braising beef, chuck roast, or stewing beef works best for tender results.

Conclusion

This Alcohol-Free French Boeuf Bourguignon is a warm, comforting dish full of deep, hearty flavors. With tender beef, smoky turkey, rich broth, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner or special gathering. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, bread, or on its own, this dish will become a family favorite. Enjoy a taste of France in your own kitchen!

French Boeuf Bourguignon

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of traditional French Boeuf Bourguignon—without the wine! This alcohol-free version is slow-cooked with tender beef, smoky turkey, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs in a savory beef broth and white vinegar base. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers the same deep, comforting taste as the classic while keeping it alcohol-free.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 400g braising or stewing beef, cubed
• 200g smoked turkey meat, diced

Produce

• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 10 pearl onions (or small onions), peeled
• 10 small potatoes, halved
• 400g canned tomatoes, crushed
• 380g white mushrooms, cleaned and halved if large

Canned Goods

• 300ml beef broth

Baking & Spices

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Oils & Vinegars

• 100ml white vinegar

Other

• Bouquet garni (a bundle of basil, thyme, and bay leaf)

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
2. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the smoked turkey for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

4. Add onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

6. Deglaze the pot with white vinegar, scraping up any browned bits.
7. Add beef broth, canned tomatoes, carrots, bouquet garni, salt, and black pepper.
8. Return the seared beef and turkey to the pot and stir well.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

9. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
10. After 40 minutes, add pearl onions, potatoes, and mushrooms, and continue cooking until everything is tender.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

11. Remove the bouquet garni before serving.
12. Serve warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a traditional touch.

Notes

• Vinegar replaces the traditional red wine, adding acidity and depth.
• Make it richer by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar.
• For a thicker sauce, let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
• Pair it with: Buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or a crusty French baguette.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Stew
• Method: Slow-Cooked
• Cuisine: French