• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Foreign Fork logo
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
    • Search by Interactive Map
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Caribbean
    • Central America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Culture Cookbook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Submit a Recipe for Posting
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
  • Culture Cookbook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Submit a Recipe for Posting
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Round Up » Beef Bourguignon Side Dishes

    Beef Bourguignon Side Dishes

    Published on Nov 14, 2022 Modified: Nov 12, 2022 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Beef Bourguignon is a rich, French stew flavored with red wine and filled with carrots, bacon, mushrooms, and, of course, beef! If you plan to make this delicious dish for dinner, here are 22 sides to serve with it!

    Beef bouguignon in a bowl with a sprig of thyme on top.

    Tender beef stew and rich red wine come together so gracefully in Beef Bourguignon. All the flavor of the beef, onions, carrots and mushrooms are so simply satisfying. 

    There is just something irresistible about a classic French stew that cooks so slowly and fills your home with warmth and wonderful smells. This classic French dish is a great option to serve at a dinner party, for a Sunday night meal or on a crisp, cool fall evening.

    Beef Bourguignon is a hearty meal, traditionally served over a bed of mashed red potatoes, noodles or rice. The strong flavor of the stew is balanced out by the plain, starchy carbs underneath. 

    While this makes for an excellent dinner or main dish by itself, adding a few sides really takes it from a meal to a feast. The great thing about beef bourguignon is it pairs nicely with so many other dishes. 

    If you are craving something delicious to add to this already filling dinner, look no further! I’ve got 22 of the best side dishes to help fill the table. If you liked my What to Serve with Ratatouille post, use this one as well to have a deliciously abundant French feast!

    Jump to:
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Beef Bourguignon Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon
    • What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon
    • Other meals + what to serve

    FAQs

    A spoon scooping beef bourguignon.
    What Cut of Meat is Best for Beef Bourguignon?

    It’s easiest to use pre-cut beef stew meat for this hearty stew or a cut up chuck steak. The slow cooking and low temperatures of this recipe really allow you to get great results with just about any cut of meat, so you don’t have to put too much thought into the right cut of beef.
     
    Choose something with good marbling and cut off any big chunks of fat. If you really want to step up your game a bit, try it with brisket. 

    How Long Can I Keep Beef Bourguignon?

    Beef Bourguignon is one of those dishes that gets even better the next day. Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

    What is the Difference Between Beef Bourguignon and Beef Stew?

    The rich flavor of the red wine is the biggest difference between a beef stew recipe and beef bourguignon. It’s very different from anything you might find in a packet sold at the grocery store. The rich red wine gravy adds depth to this traditional dish that makes it delicious.

    What if My Meat is Too Tough?

    If your meat is tough, the stew has not finished cooking. If you are cooking on the stove top, allow it to simmer for at least another 30 minutes and then check it again. In an Instant Pot, put the lid back on and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Repeat until the meat softens. 
     
    The downfall of this recipe has always been that it needs to cook for a long time. Don’t try to rush it.

    What Type of Wine is Best for Beef Bourguignon?

    It’s important to choose something that is good quality, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to find quality. Use whatever red wine you prefer. Most recipes call for a pinot noir. Do not use cooking wine for this recipe.

    If you don’t enjoy cooking with wine you could reduce the amount or skip it entirely, but it won’t be a very traditional beef bourguignon without this signature flavor. The alcohol is cooked out of this recipe over the long cooking period, so it is a safe dish for the whole family. 

    Do I Need a Dutch Oven to Cook Beef Bourguignon?

    No! You can cook beef bourguignon in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or in a large pot on the stovetop.

    Save This Post Form (#6)

    Save This Post!

    Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

    Favorite Beef Bourguignon Recipes

    An instant pot filled with beef bourguignon ingredients before cooking.
    • This dish really became popular from Julia Child, the queen of French cuisine. Her recipe is complex, but each step adds additional flavor and depth.
    • I like to make beef Bourguignon in the Instant Pot to cut the cooking time in half! For a busy weeknight, this recipe is the best.
    • If you are looking for a recipe you can leave all day, try this slow cooker version from The Chunky Chef.

    Expert Tips

    A pot of beef bourguignon with two bowls of the dish on the side.
    • Julia Child’s recipe is by far the most popular rendition of this dish. It contains a lot of steps, but if you enjoy a culinary challenge it’s worth it to give this one a try! For a quick easy meal, I prefer to make this in the Instant Pot.
    • Searing the beef before cooking adds a lot of flavor and patting the beef dry with paper towels before you sear will help it connect to the pan and achieve that perfect browning. It’s also important that you don’t stir your meat too often during this step. Allow it to sear.
    • Try pre-cooking your mushrooms in butter and garlic to add another layer of flavor to the stew.
    • Many recipes call for adding pearl onions into the mix in addition to the sliced onions. This might be a good addition to try.
    • Allow the gravy to thicken. Keep an eye on your gravy near the end of cooking. You want it to be thick and delicious, but not pasty. You can add a few spoonfuls of beef stock if it is too thick or continue cooking a little longer if it is too thin.

    What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon

    • Carbs: Noodles, mashed potatoes, white rice, egg noodles, brown rice, crusty bread
    • Breads: French bread, dinner rolls, popovers
    • Sides: Simple green salad, baby potatoes, green bean salad
    • Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, roasted cauliflower, roasted asparagus spears, sauteed Brussels sprouts, green beansToppings: Sour cream, parmesan cheese

    What to Serve with Beef Bourguignon

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Mashed Potatoes are a known classic, but making Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot is a new way to make this favorite side dish! The potatoes will be ready for mashing in just about 6 minutes, making this old favorite so much easier to make and enjoy!
    Read More

    Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

    Bowl of horseradish mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and chopped green onions.
    These horseradish mashed potatoes are filled with chives, sour cream, milk, and horseradish. They are perfect as a side to red meat, including steak or prime rib.
    Read More

    White Rice

    Large green serving bowl filled with long grain white rice prepared in the instant pot.
    If you have never made rice in your instant pot you are missing out! It takes just 10 minutes to make perfectly cooked rice to go alongside your lunch or dinner. When you need dinner on the table fast, this Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice is for you!
    Read More

    Brown Rice

    A small pot filled with cooked brown rice sitting next to a cloth napkin.
    It is SO easy to cook Brown Rice in your Instant Pot! Goodbye 40 minute long cook times! This recipe will provide a fast, simple, and perfect-every-time recipe to make your weeknight dinners that much easier.
    Read More

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Red Peppers and Shallot

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Red Peppers and Shallots
    These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Red Peppers and Shallots are as delicious as they are colorful, and incredibly simple to make.
    Read More

    Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

    Balsamic Roasted Carrots Recipe
    Balsamic Roasted Carrots offer a healthy side dish to your next holiday meal or weeknight dinner with a sweet flavor.
    Read More

    Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts

    Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts
    Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts is a quick and easy salad that is peppery, sweet and satisfying. The perfect salad!
    Read More

    Air Fryer Green Beans

    Air Fryer Green Beans with Parmesan
    These Air Fryer Green Beans are full of garlicky goodness, finished off with freshly grated parm and fresh lemon. A great side for any main!
    Read More

    Chopped Vegetable Salad

    Chopped Vegetable Salad
    This vegetable salad is a fresh and colorful blend of chopped corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and green beans in homemade dressing.
    Read More

    Tenderstem Broccoli

    Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli
    Crispy, salty roasted broccolini with savory golden garlic. Try this with everything from steak to fish to baked tofu for an easy, quick, delicious dinner!
    Read More

    Browned Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    These easy Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes will be the star of the party! Decadent browned butter, roasted garlic, and cream cheese elevate the classic mashed potatoes to new heights!
    Read More

    Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

    Herby Garlic Cheese Bread
    My Italian herb and cheese bread will make your next pizza or pasta night a showstopper! Made with a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty cheese, and a crispy crust, this bread is just beyond yummy. Plus, it’s freezer friendly, making this Italian herbs and cheese bread perfect for busy families!
    Read More

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    Easy Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is a simple side dish with only 5 ingredients! Perfect for a weeknight side or holiday table.
    Read More

    Brioche Dinner Rolls

    Brioche Dinner Rolls
    Enjoy these light and fluffy, buttery Brioche dinner rolls freshly baked or lightly toasted with some homemade fresh butter and/or jam!
    Read More

    Mini Mushroom Pies with Thyme

    Mini Mushroom Pies with Thyme
    These mini Mushroom Pies with Thyme are the perfect savory vegetarian appetizer for mushroom lovers! Vegan variations included, too!
    Read More

    Escargot Recipe

    Bowl of escargot in snail shells.
    Snails are cooked in a butter and parsley sauce and served with a toasted baguette for a delectable and rich appetizer recipe.
    Read More

    Instant Pot French Onion Soup

    A crock of french onion soup on a cutting board, surrounded by fresh herbs and baguettes.
    This new take on French Onion Soup will make the process quick and easy! This recipe is made in the Instant Pot and is topped with French Baguette and melty gruyere cheese.
    Read More

    Easy Ratatouille Recipe

    Ratatouille in a cast iron skillet surrounded by chopped ingredients.
    This Easy Ratatouille Recipe is made with fresh vegetables layered in a pattern and then baked. It is a straightforward recipe with gorgeous presentation, and is also vegetarian and vegan! Try this recipe if you want to experience true French cuisine.
    Read More

    Croque Madame Recipe

    Croque Monsieur on a plate surrounded by a fork, orange juice, and linens.
    If you’re looking for delicious French food, a croque monsieur sandwich is the perfect place to start. This ham and cheese sandwich recipe is layered with bechamel sauce and broiled cheese for a crispy, decadent, and delicious breakfast or brunch recipe.
    Read More

    Easy Crusty French Baguette

    Easy Crusty French Baguette
    This Easy Crusty French Baguette is simple enough to be made at home but tastes just like you bought it at your local bakery!
    Read More

    Potatoes au Grautin

    Easy Potatoes au Gratin (Daupinoise)
    The flavors that will burst in your mouth when you bit into this creamy, garlic and herb infused, loaded with Gruyere cheese; potatoes au gratin is sublime!
    Read More

    Other meals + what to serve

    What to Eat with Sauerkraut
    What to Serve with Ceviche
    What to Serve with Gumbo
    What to Serve with Sushi at a Party
    What to Serve with Chicken Chili
    What to Serve with Spinach Salad
    What to Serve with Falafel Pitas

    More Round Up Recipes

    • What To Serve with Ceviche – 19 Delicious Ideas!
    • Title image showing 4 side dishes, one sushi roll, and the title "What to Serve with Sushi"
      What To Serve with Sushi (20 + Ideas!)
    • A collage image that says "What to Eat with Sauerkraut" and shows examples of side dishes to try.
      What To Eat with Sauerkraut
    • Image with title "What to Serve with Ratatouille" surrounded by photos of side dishes and ratatouille.
      What To Serve with Ratatouille

    Sharing is caring!

    16 shares

    France, Round Up, Side Dish

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    What are you looking for?

    Welcome to The Foreign Fork, I'm Alexandria!

    And I am cooking one meal from every country in the world. 196 countries, and we’re cooking them all… Welcome to the adventure! 

    Learn More

    Footer

    • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Press
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Copyright © 2025 The Foreign Fork

    16 shares