Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, the ultimate comfort food that wraps your kitchen in rustic French aromas and fills your table with heartwarming flavor. This rich, savory beef stew transforms simple ingredients—tender chuck roast, meaty mushrooms, sweet carrots, and a splash of red wine—into something truly magical. All the magic happens in your slow cooker, leaving you free to savor the incredible smell that builds with each passing hour. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a special occasion, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon feels both elegant and effortless, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon plays a vital role—some bring big, bold flavors, while others add depth, richness, or the perfect bit of color. The beauty lies in using accessible ingredients that meld together into a dish that tastes far more complex than the prep lets on. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Diced Bacon: Adds smokiness and a savory base to every bite—don’t skip this step for that signature depth.
- Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for slow cooking; it turns meltingly tender and soaks up all the flavors.
- Red Cooking Wine: Brings a subtle acidity and complexity—choose something you’d happily drink!
- Chicken Broth: Lighter than beef broth, it keeps the stew balanced but rich.
- Tomato Sauce: Lends sweetness and tang, adding body to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: An unexpected umami booster that deepens the overall flavor.
- Flour: Thickens the stew just right, so the sauce hugs every piece of meat and veggie.
- Minced Garlic: Delivers warmth and aromatic goodness—garlic is essential here!
- Minced Thyme: Fresh thyme enlivens everything with a woodsy, herby aroma.
- Sliced Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a burst of color throughout the dish.
- Baby Potatoes: Tri-color potatoes look stunning and soak up all the delicious juices.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Add a satisfying, earthy bite that holds up beautifully in the stew.
- Fresh Parsley: The perfect final touch—bright, fresh, and makes every serving pop.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by frying up your diced bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In just a few minutes, your kitchen will fill with that irresistible savory aroma! Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and crispy. Once they’re ready, scoop the bacon out and drop it straight into the slow cooker. Those little crispy bits absolutely set the base for unbelievable flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Season your beef chuck cubes generously with salt and pepper. In the same pan you used for bacon, add the beef and let each side color up—2–3 minutes per side should do. Don’t rush this step! Browning creates deep, caramelized flavors that make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon sing. Once browned, move the beef to your slow cooker on top of the bacon.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour your red cooking wine into the still-hot skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly—it only takes a few minutes, but it truly intensifies the flavor. Slowly add chicken broth, tomato sauce, and soy sauce to the pan, whisking as you go. Sprinkle in the flour and keep whisking until smooth. This silky, robust sauce gets poured right over the beef and bacon in your slow cooker.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Herbs
Toss in the garlic, fresh thyme, sliced carrots, baby potatoes, and mushrooms. These vibrant veggies soak up all that wonderful sauce during the long cook, building layers of flavor and texture. Give everything a good stir so the sauce and ingredients mingle from the start.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours. The hardest part is waiting while the aroma teases you all day! When the beef is meltingly tender and the vegetables are soft but not mushy, you know it’s ready. Just before serving, finish with a generous sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Garnishes
A generous scatter of freshly chopped parsley right before serving truly elevates your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. The greens don’t just add color—they brighten the rich flavors, making each spoonful feel balanced and special. For a little more flair, a touch of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt does wonders.
Side Dishes
This hearty stew begs for something to soak up the luscious sauce. Classic buttery mashed potatoes are always a winning choice, but crusty bread, lightly buttered noodles, or even creamy polenta work beautifully. Each option is just another way to enjoy every drop of that slow-cooked magic.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, ladle Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon into shallow bowls and top each portion with a spoonful of parsley and a swirl of olive oil. For a bistro feel, serve the stew in individual mini cocottes, or try piling it over a thick slice of grilled country bread for a rustic “open-faced” style dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day! Allow leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and you’ll have a ready-made dinner that might be even more flavorful than the first time around.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the stew in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a cozy dinner, just thaw in the fridge overnight—those deep, savory flavors develop beautifully as it rests.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add the stew to a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring now and then until hot. For single servings, you can use the microwave in short bursts—just cover the container to keep everything moist. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
FAQs
Can I prep Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon the night before?
Absolutely! You can brown the bacon and beef, assemble all the vegetables, and even mix the sauce the night before. Store everything in the refrigerator in the slow cooker insert (if safe for fridge use), and set it to cook the next morning. This makes getting dinner on the table a total breeze.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Beef chuck is the hands-down winner for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. It’s affordable and becomes fork-tender after hours of simmering, soaking up the wine-rich sauce like a sponge. Stew meat or brisket are good substitutes if needed.
Can I omit the wine?
If you prefer, you can use extra chicken or beef broth in place of the red wine. While the signature flavor will change slightly, it will still be delicious! You could also try a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for a touch of acidity.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free flour. Check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients should already be safe.
What’s the difference between Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon and regular beef stew?
The big difference is in the flavor base—Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon uses red wine, bacon, fresh herbs, and mushrooms for an irresistible French twist. The sauce is more robust and complex compared to traditional American beef stew. It’s classic comfort food, but with a little bistro magic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s as effortless as it is irresistible, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is bound to become a favorite at your table. Try it soon and discover just how easy it is to bring a little French-inspired magic to any night of the week!
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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 10 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew made with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich red wine sauce. This slow cooker version simplifies the traditional recipe without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 5 slices diced bacon
Beef:
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck pieces (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Red Wine Sauce:
- 1 cup red cooking wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
Flavorings:
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons minced thyme
Vegetables:
- 5 medium sliced carrots
- 1 pound baby potatoes (tri-color)
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook diced bacon until crisp. Add to the slow cooker.
- Brown Beef: Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in the skillet. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with red wine, then add chicken broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and flour. Pour sauce into the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic, thyme, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cook: Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 6 hours until beef is tender. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, mix additional flour with some broth and stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-10 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, Beef Stew, French Stew, Slow Cooker Recipe
