1- Making beef bourguignon at home is an adventure that’s fun and rewarding. Start by prepping all your ingredients to keep things smooth and organized. This classic French recipe involves searing, simmering, and letting flavors develop over time.

2- First, heat the oil in a large pot and cook the bacon until crisp, which adds a smoky base. Next, sear the beef chunks in batches for that perfect golden crust. Then, sauté the carrots, onion, and some garlic in the same pot to build layers of flavor.

3- After that, mix in flour to thicken the base before adding wine, stock, tomato paste, bouillon, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. The dish can be prepared in four ways: traditional oven, stove top, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, each offering flexibility for your schedule. For the oven method, simmer the mixture on the stove then bake at 350°F for 2 to 3 hours until tender.

4- The stove top method is straightforward: after combining ingredients, cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. With an Instant Pot, sear the bacon and beef first, add everything else, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes followed by a natural release. For the slow cooker, sauté the bacon and beef ahead, then let it cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.

5- Don’t forget to sauté the mushrooms with the remaining garlic and butter separately and add them near the end. Once done, strain the sauce, skim off any fat, and adjust for the right consistency. Finally, let the dish rest for 15 minutes to enhance those rich flavors before serving with options like mashed potatoes or noodles.