Beef Bourbonnaise
A savory beef bourguignonne featuring tender steak, mushrooms, and onions in a rich bourbon and wine vinegar sauce, perfect for hearty dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings ⓘ
- 6 small onions or 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 pound lean round steak, cut into 3/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crumbled marjoram or rosemary ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon crumbled thyme ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can condensed beef broth
- 1/2 cup wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup bourbon ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms; cook until lightly browned.
- Remove onions and mushrooms from the skillet; set aside.
- Add steak cubes to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Sprinkle flour, salt, marjoram or rosemary, pepper, and thyme over the meat; stir to blend well.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs instead of dried ones. If you don’t have bourbon, a good quality whiskey can serve as an excellent substitute. Additionally, for a thicker sauce, allow the dish to simmer longer after adding the broth and vinegar. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Best Gourmet Meat Loaf for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef Bourbonnaise over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the rich sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad complements the dish well. Consider a glass of the same bourbon used in cooking for a delightful pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, or reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Bourbonnaise contains roughly 140 calories, with 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2059mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck or sirloin. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts might require longer cooking times to become tender. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for optimal results.
What can I substitute for bacon drippings?
If you don’t have bacon drippings, you can use vegetable oil or unsalted butter. Each will provide a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference. For a smoky flavor, a bit of liquid smoke can be added to the oil or butter.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooking. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and add a splash of broth if needed to restore the sauce's consistency. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).