I’ve wanted to make Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon for years! Ever since I first watched Julie and Julia. Today I am joining a few friends for an Autumn Progressive Dinner, and this one-pot dish is the perfect cozy main dish.
The Menu
What makes beef bourguignon a one-dish meal?
Beef bourguignon is made in one pot (a Le Creuset) and can be brought to the table. This is the recipe we used.
The beautiful handmade ceramic spoon rests (above) and the gorgeous Belgian linen tea towel (below) are both items available at SHOP Most lovely Things!
What to serve with Beef Bourguignon
The wonderful thing about this one-dish meal is that you could serve it with only crusty bread, and it’s a meal. Or it’s traditional to serve boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
I love to serve it with a mashed potato purée. I make my regular mashed potatoes, and to make them more of a purée, I add a little more heavy cream and beat until smooth and creamy. To get them very smooth, I use a potato ricer to rice the potatoes and then beat them with melted hot butter and warmed heavy cream in a stand mixer.
Mashed potatoes
These are smooth and creamy mashed potatoes made with lots of butter and heavy cream! These are not your everyday potatoes! They are so good if you like creamy mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 4 Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 6–8 pieces depending on the size of the potatoes
- 1 stick butter
- 1/4–1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- salt
Instructions
- Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water
- Bring to a boil and cook until very soft but not falling apart. Check often by piercing a potato with a fork to check.
- Prepare the mixing bowl by running very hot water in the bowl. You want the bowl to be heated.
- Once cooked, drain and return to the same pot and put back on the burner for a few seconds, shaking the pot to ensure all the moisture is evaporated.
- While still hot, rice the potatoes into the mixing bowl that has been heated.
- Add the melted butter and warmed heavy cream or milk, salt, and mix well with a stand or hand mixer.
- Add more melted butter or warmed cream as needed for the consistency you prefer. Serve immediately or can be reheated.
Can you make it ahead?
Yes! Thank goodness. It cooks for 3.5 hours, and once it’s done, take it out of the Le Creuset and clean the pot. Then put the beef bourguignon back into the pot and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Then when ready to serve, reheat slowly and serve.
How long does it take to make?
In addition to the 3.5 hours in the oven, I’ll be honest; there’s a lot of prep and “other” cooking that goes on before it gets to the 3.5-hour point. Is it worth it? Yes, absolutely. Give it a try if you have the time, say on a rainy day. I’ll probably still rely upon my mom’s slow cooker version from time to time when I’m in a hurry!
Set an Elegant Table for $12
Think about what you have, and then add flowers
Here’s what I did to create this elegant table for no more than $12! I used an off-white relaxed linen tablecloth and striped linen napkins from Garnet Hill. I added a piece of ripped canvas, like a wide piece of ribbon, down the middle of the table, extending the tablecloth’s full length. Not necessary, but a simple layer that’s easy enough to add. And bonus, should the candles drip, it saves the cloth!
Add a Piece of Wide Ribbon or Canvas
I added a dozen repurposed bottles that I’ve been collecting for years! (I have an Orangina bottle I brought back from Paris right after we married in 1987). I used three packages of Chrysanthemums and dahlias from the grocery store. Not the fancy kind. These were 3 for $12. I chose all the same colors and arranged them down the center of the table on top of the piece of canvas.
Candles in simple holders and tea lights in mini tart tins add plenty of soft lighting
The cost of this table setting was $12 for simple grocery store flowers. The dishes, glassware, and linens are all things I use every day. Simple bottles with tall stems of seasonal flowers and candlelight make it look a little more special than the “everyday.”
And with that, it’s time to check out the other drinks, appetizers, salads, and desserts on the menu from these lovely ladies!
Classic Casual Home
Cindy Hattersley Design
Sheri Silver
Make Mine a Spritzer
Note: After writing this post, news broke that Julie Powell, a food writer known for Nora Ephron’s film, “Julie and Julia,” died on October 26th, 2022.
Well you had me at mashed potatoes! Seriously if they come as a side on anyone’s dinner they know I’m going in with my fork! Love your table setting ideas – you always have the most clever-yet-simple ways of making a table look dressed up without fuss. Thank you for including me as always! xo
I think all that’s missing on my table is your gorgeous cranberry white chocolate tart! It would really be the “icing on the cake” so to speak!
I made it ONCE!
As I recall it was Delicious!
I shall re-visit the recipe as the weather is Cold here!
I grew up watching Julia Childs shows!
There is a yellow rose named after her!
She was a California Girl!
Xxx
Elizabeth! Once is enough. Brent made it once last week, I didn’t take photos so I had to make it… it’s a lot of steps! I love that comment on Juliet’s that your house is the house AFTER dessert! The best for last!
OMG…this looks amazing. I never thought to wash the pot and then put the stew back in for a prettier presentation! This makes a fab dish from a less expensive cut of meat. Love your pretty table, too! Thanks for organizing us!
It was listed in the directions of the recipe I followed. One of 50 steps! haha…it does look better!
I have been making Julia’s beef bourguignon for years & the most impt step is to thoroughly dry the beef & brown very thoroughly too. It is even better the next day.
Love your blog, best ideas.
Yes! “You have to dry the beef, or it won’t brown,” I think. that’s a quote from “Julie and Julia”
Annie … wow, you made the famous Beef Bourguignon! I’ll have to pace myself because when I get to your house I’m having seconds! I did read about Julie Powell. So sad. What a great book and movie … it inspired so many of us after growing up watching our mom’s watch Julia Child on TV. Back to the BB … potatoes are the perfect accompaniment and I love your pureed version. Yum. I’m pinning and printing this for the holidays. Your table … stunning. Love the wide ribbon running down the center and the simple centerpieces with those eye popping dark flowers. Your table cloth is lovely, and perfect for year round. I get lot so table cloth ideas from you so I’ll be clicking that link. What fun to join you for an autumn progressive dinner! Cheers! xo
Juliet, It’s so sad; I watched CNN while working on the post that night and read it along with the ticker at the bottom! 49 years old! Can we just talk about your gorgeous drink? Oh my!! The perfect fall drink. Loved it with your plaid shirt/jacket too!
This is one of our favorite things to make, aside from soups and stews during the winter. A one pot meal is always easy and delicious!
Lovely table! Boeuf Bourguignon seems daunting when you read the recipe but once you make it a couple of times it becomes like second nature. Highly recommend, and it does get better with age, like most things worthwhile!
Valletta, Thank you! It does take time, and you are right, at first a little daunting, but then becomes much easier! And so worth it!
Looks delish! Have always wanted to make Julia’s beef bourguignon – but have been a little intimidated. Your table is lovely. Had no idea about Julie Powell passing – loved the julie and Julia movie.
I know…so sad! I watched it again this weekend while working on a little project!