🍷 Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon Rigatoni with Parmesan Crust 🍝

A luxurious blend of French comfort and Italian soul.

🥘 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish

There’s something truly magical about slow-braised beef, simmered in red wine until tender, then folded into al dente rigatoni and crowned with a golden Parmesan crust.

This isn’t just dinner — it’s an experience. Perfect for special occasions, cozy weekends, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

🛒 Ingredients & Their Roles

◾️ For the Beef Bourguignon

✅ 2 lbs beef chuck (1.5-inch chunks) – the star; slow-braising transforms it into tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
✅ Salt & black pepper – the essential seasoning that brings everything to life.
✅ 2 tbsp olive oil – for that deep, caramelized sear on the beef.
✅ 4 cloves garlic, minced – adds bold, aromatic depth.
✅ 1 yellow onion, chopped – lends sweetness and body to the sauce.
✅ 2 tbsp tomato paste – enriches flavor and adds a hint of acidity.
✅ 2 cups dry red wine – the heart of Bourguignon; builds deep, velvety notes.
✅ 2 cups beef broth – balances and enhances the sauce.
✅ 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) – for herbal warmth.
✅ 2 bay leaves – add subtle depth and fragrance.
✅ 8 oz pearl onions, peeled – a touch of sweetness and texture.
✅ 10 oz mushrooms, quartered – earthy, meaty balance to the beef.
✅ 1 tbsp butter – rounds everything off with richness.

◾️ For the Pasta Bake

✅ 1 lb rigatoni pasta – sturdy tubes that hold sauce perfectly.
✅ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that irresistible golden crust.
✅ 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella (optional) – extra creaminess and melt.
✅ ½ cup heavy cream or béchamel (optional) – adds silky richness.
✅ 2 tbsp chopped parsley – freshens and brightens the final dish.

▶️ Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹️ Step 1: Brown the Beef

👉 Pat the beef dry, season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches until each piece forms a deep crust.
Remove and set aside — this is where the flavor begins.

🔹️ Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

👉 In the same pot, sauté chopped onion for 5 minutes until golden.
Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

🔹️ Step 3: Deglaze & Simmer

👉 Pour in red wine to deglaze, scraping up all the brown bits.
Simmer 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Return beef to the pot.

✅ Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2½ hours, or until tender.
(Alternatively, bake covered at 325°F / 160°C for the same time.)

🔹️ Step 4: Add Vegetables

👉 In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté mushrooms and pearl onions until golden.
Add them to the beef during the last 30 minutes of braising.

🔹️ Step 5: Cook the Rigatoni

👉 Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less).
Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

🔹️ Step 6: Assemble the Bake

👉 Remove bay leaves from the beef. Combine the braised beef and rigatoni in a large bowl.
If desired, mix in heavy cream or béchamel for extra creaminess.
✅ Transfer to a baking dish and top with Parmesan (plus Gruyère if using).

🔹️ Step 7: Bake & Serve

👉 Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and brightness.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection

◾️ Choose good wine — it’s the flavor foundation.
◾️ Brown the beef deeply — caramelization = flavor.
◾️ Don’t rush the braise — slow cooking = tenderness.
◾️ Add butter at the end for extra silkiness.
◾️ Next-day leftovers? Even better! The flavors intensify beautifully overnight.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

🔹️ Pair with crusty bread or garlic baguette to soak up the sauce.
🔹️ Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
🔹️ Serve with a glass of bold red wine — Burgundy, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.
🔹️ Finish with dark chocolate mousse or lemon tart for dessert perfection.

❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Dish

✅ Comforting yet elegant.
✅ Rich flavors layered with love.
✅ Perfectly balanced textures — tender beef, creamy pasta, crisp crust.
✅ Feels like a restaurant dish, but made easily at home.

Every bite is a celebration of slow cooking, good wine, and the joy of sharing great food.

✨ Conclusion

If you’re craving something decadent, hearty, and unforgettable, this Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon Rigatoni with Parmesan Crust is your new go-to.

👉 Simple steps, everyday ingredients, and spectacular flavor — this recipe proves that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated.
✅ Serve it once, and it’ll become a signature favorite in your kitchen forever.