Elk Stew Bourguignon

Experience the rustic elegance of Elk Stew Bourguignon, a hearty twist on the classic French dish that perfects the art of slow cooking. Tender chunks of elk meat are seared to golden perfection, then gently simmered in a rich, velvety sauce made from red wine, beef stock, and aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Complemented by earthy mushrooms, sweet pearl onions, and hearty vegetables such as carrots and celery, this game meat stew offers layers of robust, comforting flavors. Ideal for cold-weather gatherings or a special weekend dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy dining experience. Elevate your stew game with this gourmet yet approachable dish that’s packed with savory goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds elk stew meat
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2.5 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Season the elk stew meat with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the meat with the flour until evenly coated.

Step 2

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the elk meat in batches until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the meat and set it aside.

Step 3

Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the Dutch oven. Add the diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate slightly.

Step 6

Add the beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Return the seared elk meat to the pot and bring the stew to a gentle boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

After 2 hours, add the mushrooms and pearl onions to the stew. Simmer uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken slightly.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish. Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2998.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2621.3

Total Fat 92.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 651.7mg	0%
Sodium 3773.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 96.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 35.4g
Protein 223.0g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 409.3mg	0%
Iron 41.4mg	0%
Potassium 6549.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.5%

Protein: 42.2%

Carbs: 18.2%