There is something truly magical about a rich, hearty stew that simmers all day filling your home with layers of deep, comforting aromas. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe takes the classic French dish and makes it effortlessly approachable by using a slow cooker to tenderize juicy beef chuck alongside colorful vegetables, fragrant herbs, and robust red wine. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture that feels special yet perfectly achievable on any busy day. Get ready for an unforgettable meal that’s as cozy as it is elegant, turning simple ingredients into a luxurious feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor while bringing color and heartiness to the dish. From tender beef to savory bacon and earthy mushrooms, every component plays a vital role in crafting that signature rich stew.
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes: The star of the dish, beef chuck becomes wonderfully tender during slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly browning the beef to lock in juices and flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky richness and depth to the stew.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and a tender bite after cooking down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a subtle but aromatic punch.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Offers a slight tang and intense umami that fuels the sauce.
- 2 cups red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy): The soulful liquid that melds all flavors beautifully while tenderizing the beef.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds savory depth and balances the wine’s acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a subtle complexity and slight sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A bedrock herb that brings fragrant earthiness.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal note that rounds out the sauce.
- 4 large carrots, sliced: Provide natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved: Soak up the luscious sauce and give satisfying heartiness.
- 8 oz mushrooms, halved: Earthy, meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening): To create a silky, velvety finish if desired.
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening): For mixing with the cornstarch to thicken the stew.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens the dish with a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by generously seasoning the beef chuck cubes with salt and black pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef on all sides until it develops a delicious golden crust. This step is crucial because it locks in juices and creates rich flavor from the caramelized edges. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker to rest and absorb more flavor later.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until it crisps up and releases its savory fat. Add the chopped onion next and allow it to soften, soaking up the smoky bacon essence. Toss in the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for a minute or two to awaken the deep tomato sweetness and garlic fragrance, setting a strong foundation for your stew’s sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour the red wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up every delicious browned bit stuck to the pan. This technique called deglazing captures those caramelized flavors and adds richness and a subtle acidity that balances the meaty base perfectly. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, bringing even more depth to the dish.
Step 4: Add Broth, Worcestershire, and Herbs
Pour in beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. These ingredients create a complex, layered flavor profile that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The herbs bring aromatic earthiness, while the broth and Worcestershire enhance the savory notes perfectly.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Start Cooking
Layer the sliced carrots, halved baby potatoes, and mushrooms into the slow cooker, gently stirring to combine everything. These veggies not only add texture but soak up the luscious sauce with every slow cook hour. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours. Patience here rewards you with tender beef and veggies steeped in rich flavor.
Step 6: Optional Thickening for Perfect Texture
If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry during the last 20 minutes of cooking, then stir it into the slow cooker. This little trick gives you a luscious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the beef and vegetables, elevating the comfort factor to an all-time high.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before serving, remove the bay leaves to avoid any bitter bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and subtle freshness, bringing your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe to life visually and taste-wise.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the robust stew with beautiful green notes and a fresh herbaceous uplift. Feel free to add a twist by finely grating a bit of lemon zest for a light zing or freshly ground black pepper for extra spice — garnishes make the dish your own.
Side Dishes
This beef bourguignon shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of the thickened sauce. Alternatively, silky egg noodles or crusty artisan bread work beautifully to scoop up the stew’s rich flavors and create a satisfying, warming meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this stew in rustic individual bowls to highlight its hearty, homey charm. For a family-style presentation, ladle it into a large serving dish garnished with parsley. You can also up the elegance by plating over a bed of buttered polenta or roasted root vegetables, making it perfect for a cozy dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious and easy to enjoy.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warmth. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can refresh the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best taste and texture, but it’s fine for quick reheats.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While beef chuck is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use brisket or short ribs as alternatives. Just be mindful these cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time and will yield different textures.
Is red wine necessary for the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe?
Red wine is integral for the authentic depth and acidity it adds, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with extra beef broth and a splash of red grape juice or a vinegar such as balsamic to mimic the acidity.
How do I avoid mushy vegetables in slow cooker dishes?
Choosing firmer vegetables like baby potatoes and adding them partway through the cooking time can help. For this recipe, layering them from the beginning works because the long cooking tenderizes them perfectly without turning them to mush.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then simmer everything in a heavy pot over low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and add liquid as needed.
What can I serve instead of potatoes or noodles?
Polenta, creamy cauliflower mash, or buttered rice are lovely alternatives that also absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully, providing variety depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is a wonderful way to bring the comforting luxury of classic French cuisine into your everyday kitchen with ease and minimal fuss. Its rich flavors and tender textures guarantee a crowd-pleasing meal whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends. I encourage you to give it a try and savor the cozy, hearty goodness that only this kind of slow-cooked magic can deliver.
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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew featuring tender beef chuck simmered in a rich red wine and beef broth sauce, infused with bacon, garlic, and herbs. Packed with hearty vegetables like carrots, baby potatoes, and mushrooms, this comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful, hands-off meal that cooks slowly to develop deep, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 8 oz mushrooms, halved
Liquids and Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Thickening (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
To Garnish
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Season the beef cubes evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides to lock in juices and add depth of flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Cook the Bacon and Onion: In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent to build the base of the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes to bring out their flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour the red wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. This incorporates more flavor into the liquid.
- Transfer Liquids to Slow Cooker: Pour the wine mixture along with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves into the slow cooker containing the beef.
- Add Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, halved baby potatoes, and halved mushrooms. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors are well developed.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker stew is desired, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the stew warm, ideally over mashed potatoes, noodles, or alongside crusty bread.
Notes
- Choose a good-quality dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Burgundy for the best flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures a good sear.
- The stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded in the refrigerator.
- Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce if it is too watery, adding it gradually to avoid lumps.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
