Connect with us

Recipes

Classic French Beef Bourguignon Recipe – Slow Cooked to Perfection

Traditionally, Beef Bourguignon was considered peasant food. Families often used tougher cuts of beef that required long, slow braising to tenderize. Wine was plentiful in Burgundy, so it became the natural choice for cooking liquid, creating a sauce that was both practical and luxurious. Over time, the dish gained prominence, making its way from farmhouse kitchens to fine dining restaurants.

Part of the magic of Bourguignon is that it bridges the gap between rustic comfort food and elegant cuisine. You can serve it in a casual family setting with a loaf of crusty bread, or place it at the center of a formal dinner party—it always feels right.

Why This Recipe Works

Rich and Complex Sauce: The wine, combined with slow braising and caramelized vegetables, creates layers of flavor.

Tender Beef: The long cook time turns inexpensive cuts into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Flexible Dish: It can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining.

Cultural Heritage: Cooking this dish brings a piece of French tradition into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck roast, cut into large chunks)

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

12 ounces frozen pearl onions

2 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces brown mushrooms, halved

2 cups Burgundy red wine (Pinot Noir also works beautifully)

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). This low heat is essential for braising—the slow cooking develops flavor while keeping the meat tender.

Prepare and Sear the Beef

In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Toss beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add beef to the hot pan in batches, searing for 4–5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add pearl onions and carrots. Cook until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant.

Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the Burgundy wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these add incredible flavor to the sauce.

Combine and Braise

Return the seared beef to the pot, add thyme and bay leaf, then cover and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 hours.

Add Mushrooms

After 2 hours, stir in mushrooms and return to the oven for an additional hour. The mushrooms will soak up the rich sauce while contributing their own earthy flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven, discard bay leaf, and stir. The sauce should be glossy and thick, coating the beef and vegetables. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Wine: Burgundy is traditional, but any good-quality dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon works. Avoid cooking wines—they lack depth.

Don’t Rush the Sear: Browning the beef properly adds flavor that cannot be replicated later.

Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen with time.

Enhance the Sauce: For extra richness, stir in a knob of butter before serving.

Serving Ideas

Beef Bourguignon deserves sides that highlight its rich sauce. Traditional options include:

Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce

Buttery egg noodles for a classic European pairing

A loaf of crusty French bread for dipping

Soft polenta or rice as a hearty alternative

For a balanced plate, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Wine Pairing

Since wine is central to the dish, it only makes sense to enjoy a glass alongside. Red Burgundy is the classic choice, but any medium-bodied red with good acidity pairs beautifully. Pinot Noir, Merlot, or even a Côtes du Rhône are excellent companions.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooled stew for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Warm slowly over low heat, adding a splash of stock or wine if needed.

Beef Bourguignon is not just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the first aroma of wine and garlic wafting through your kitchen to the first bite of tender beef coated in velvety sauce, it’s a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re honoring tradition, impressing dinner guests, or simply treating yourself, this French classic delivers every time. Cooking it may take patience, but the reward is a meal that nourishes the body and soul alike.

Bring a little taste of Burgundy into your kitchen, and let this timeless stew remind you why some recipes never fade from our tables.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipes

Cheesy Ground Beef Hissy Fit Dip: A Crowd-Pleasing Party Classic

When it comes to party appetizers, dips are always the first to disappear. There’s just something irresistible about a creamy, cheesy, savory dip that pairs perfectly with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. If you’re searching for a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and a little indulgence, this Cheesy Ground Beef Hissy Fit Dip is the one you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

Traditionally, Hissy Fit Dip is made with ground sausage, but this recipe takes a delicious twist by using seasoned ground beef. The result is a heartier, beefier version that still keeps all the creamy, cheesy magic intact. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, bringing a dish to a potluck, or planning a movie night at home, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Dip

This isn’t just any ordinary cheese dip. It’s rich, satisfying, and layered with flavors that keep people coming back for more. Here are a few reasons it stands out:

Comfort in a bowl: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and Velveeta makes this dip extra creamy and indulgent.

Hearty twist: Swapping sausage for ground beef gives it a deeper, savory flavor while still keeping it versatile.

Easy to make: With simple ingredients and two cooking methods—oven or slow cooker—you can prep it however you like.

Perfect for sharing: It’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for scooping with chips, crackers, or even veggie sticks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll want to have the following ingredients ready:

Ground beef (1 pound): Lean or regular, depending on your preference.

Chives (2 tablespoons, freshly chopped): Adds a pop of freshness and mild onion flavor.

Worcestershire sauce (½ tablespoon): Deepens the savory flavor of the beef.

Sour cream (16 ounces): The creamy, tangy base of the dip.

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds richness and smooth texture.

Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle herbal note.

Velveeta cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Melts beautifully into the dip for gooey cheesiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, chopped chives, Worcestershire sauce, sour cream, softened cream cheese, and dried parsley. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth.

Fold in the Cheese

Gently add the Velveeta cubes to the mixture. Don’t worry about them melting just yet—they’ll do that during the cooking process, ensuring pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.

Choose Your Cooking Method

Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the mixture into your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally until the dip is hot and melty. This method is great for parties since the slow cooker keeps it warm for serving.

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the dip evenly into a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

This dip is best served warm. Pair it with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices.

Tips for Success

Make it ahead: You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready, just bake or warm it in the slow cooker.

Add extra heat: If you like spice, add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.

Switch up the cheese: While Velveeta makes the creamiest dip, you can also use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

Double it for crowds: This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re serving a large group.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy ground beef dip is incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun serving ideas:

Game day platter: Serve alongside buffalo wings, nachos, and sliders for the ultimate spread.

Potluck dish: Keep it warm in the slow cooker so guests can enjoy it throughout the event.

Cozy night in: Pair with crusty bread or even roasted potato wedges for a hearty snack.

Cheesy Ground Beef Hissy Fit Dip is one of those recipes you’ll make once and keep coming back to time and time again. It’s indulgent yet simple, hearty yet snackable, and always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its creamy base, savory beef, and melty cheese, this dip checks all the boxes for comfort food done right.

Next time you’re planning a get-together or just want something comforting to snack on, whip up a batch of this dip. Chances are, you’ll see it vanish quickly, with everyone asking for the recipe.

Continue Reading

Recipes

Amish Harvest Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food

There is something deeply comforting about a meal that feels like it has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the warmth of family gatherings and home-cooked tradition. Amish Harvest Casserole is one of those dishes. It’s hearty, wholesome, and filled with the rustic flavors that define Amish-style cooking. Made with ground beef, simple vegetables, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese on top, this casserole brings together all the elements of comfort food in a single dish.

What makes this recipe so special is not just its taste, but its simplicity. It relies on humble, affordable ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. The method is easy, especially since it uses a slow cooker to do most of the work. Once you layer the ingredients and set the timer, you can walk away knowing that a warm and satisfying meal will be ready by dinner.

This dish is perfect for busy families, cold evenings when you crave something cozy, or when you need a dish that will feed a crowd. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just satisfy hunger but nourishes the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare Amish Harvest Casserole, you’ll need:

1 pound of ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of black pepper

1 cup of sliced carrots

1 cup of diced potatoes

1 cup of corn kernels

1 cup of chopped green beans

1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1 teaspoon of dried parsley

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

These ingredients are classic to Amish-style cooking: simple, hearty, and chosen for both flavor and practicality. The vegetables provide bulk and nutrition, while the beef adds protein and richness. The cream of mushroom soup ties everything together in a savory sauce, and the cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Brown the Beef

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Continue cooking for three to four minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the casserole. Once ready, transfer everything to your slow cooker.

Step 2 – Add the Vegetables and Seasoning

Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, corn, and green beans into the slow cooker with the beef mixture. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup along with thyme and parsley. The soup coats the vegetables and beef, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and creamy. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 3 – Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the casserole on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the vegetables to become tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4 – Add the Cheese

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt. This final step transforms the dish into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Before serving, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes so that it thickens slightly and is easier to dish out.

Serving Suggestions

Amish Harvest Casserole is satisfying enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Freshly baked dinner rolls or cornbread are excellent choices for soaking up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad provides balance and freshness, while a side of applesauce adds a sweet contrast that complements the savory flavors.

This casserole is also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. It travels well and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice if you need to prepare something ahead of time.

Recipe Tips and Variations

One of the best things about casseroles is their flexibility. Here are a few ideas to customize this recipe to your taste:

Swap the meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.

Change the vegetables: Try sweet potatoes, peas, or zucchini in place of the traditional carrots and green beans.

Experiment with the cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but Colby Jack, Swiss, or smoked gouda will add their own unique twist.

Make it crunchier: For added texture, top the casserole with buttered breadcrumbs along with the cheese.

These variations allow you to adapt the casserole depending on what you have in your pantry or the preferences of your family.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole stands out because it balances ease with flavor. The slow cooker method makes it nearly foolproof, while the combination of vegetables, beef, and creamy sauce ensures that it is hearty and filling. It’s also a budget-friendly meal, as it stretches a pound of ground beef to serve a whole family.

The recipe also highlights the essence of Amish cooking: simplicity, practicality, and comfort. It doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Instead, it focuses on wholesome flavors that come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Amish Harvest Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of how satisfying simple cooking can be. It’s the type of dish that you’ll want to make again and again, not just because it’s easy, but because it feels like home. Whether you’re preparing it for your own family or sharing it at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to bring comfort to the table.

Continue Reading

Recipes

One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo – Creamy, Comforting, and Easy

When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a one-pot meal that delivers both comfort and flavor. This One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, making it the perfect dish for hectic weeknights or cozy weekends. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a family-friendly dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Orzo, though shaped like rice, is actually a small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor beautifully. Pair it with broccoli for a burst of freshness, cheddar cheese for richness, and a splash of cream for that irresistible velvety texture, and you’ve got a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot convenience – everything cooks in the same pot, saving time on cleanup.

Family-friendly – kids love the cheesy, creamy texture, while adults appreciate the balance of vegetables and pasta.

Quick and easy – ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

Comfort food at its best – rich, creamy, and satisfying without being too heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup orzo pasta – the star of the dish, small and tender, perfect for absorbing flavor.

2 cups broccoli florets – adds freshness, texture, and nutrients.

1 cup grated cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor, but mild cheddar is a kid-friendly option.

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth – provides the cooking liquid and base flavor.

½ cup heavy cream – makes the orzo rich and creamy.

2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.

2 cloves minced garlic – for aromatic depth.

Salt and pepper to taste – adjust as needed before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Base

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, until fragrant. Stir in the orzo, coating it in the butter-garlic mixture. This step gives the pasta a toasty, nutty undertone.

Add Broth and Broccoli

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and add the broccoli florets. Let the mixture cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted into a creamy sauce that coats the orzo and broccoli. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the orzo into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Success

Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the creamiest texture, grate cheddar from a block.

Cut broccoli evenly: Chop florets into small, uniform pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Adjust consistency: If you prefer a looser, more saucy dish, add a splash of warm broth or milk before serving.

Go green: For extra nutrition, toss in a handful of spinach or peas near the end of cooking.

Variations to Try

Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crispy bacon for a heartier meal.

Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, fontina, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Lighter option: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter dish.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Orzo

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also makes a fantastic side dish. Try pairing it with:

Grilled or baked chicken

Roasted salmon or pan-seared fish

A crisp side salad

Garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Freeze: Not recommended, as cream sauces often separate when thawed.

One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a simple, comforting dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly satisfying. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and tender broccoli, it’s a meal that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a versatile side dish, this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation.

Continue Reading

Trending

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. View more
Cookies settings
Accept
Privacy & Cookie policy
Privacy & Cookies policy
Cookie name Active

Who we are

Suggested text: Our website address is: https://sidesnews.com.

Comments

Suggested text: When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.

Media

Suggested text: If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website.

Cookies

Suggested text: If you leave a comment on our site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year. If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser. When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year. If you select "Remember Me", your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed. If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day.

Embedded content from other websites

Suggested text: Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

Who we share your data with

Suggested text: If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email.

How long we retain your data

Suggested text: If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue. For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information.

What rights you have over your data

Suggested text: If you have an account on this site, or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us. You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes.

Where your data is sent

Suggested text: Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.
Save settings
Cookies settings