Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the comfort food hero you never knew you needed, blending rustic French charm with the effortless magic of a slow cooker. Imagine fork-tender beef, veggies that soak up a wine-infused gravy, and a depth of flavor that easily rivals any restaurant – all with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re looking to wow at a dinner party or upgrade your weeknight routine, this recipe brings big flavor with zero fuss. Let’s cozy up and make your kitchen smell incredible!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here, but every ingredient in Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon matters: each one offers richness, color, or a little background magic. They work together for that signature deep, savory sauce and hearty stew you’ll want again and again.

• Beef Chuck: Marbled with fat, it becomes meltingly tender and flavorful after a low, slow braise.
• Carrots: Lend sweetness and beautiful pops of color to the stew.
• Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and forms the aromatic base.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Give the stew earthiness and a satisfying, meaty texture.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves turn the sauce from good to unforgettable.
• Tomato Paste: Boosts savory umami and helps thicken the sauce.
• Red Wine: Classic in bourguignon, it deepens the flavor and gives the sauce its signature color.
• Beef Broth: Balances the wine and creates that luscious gravy base.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses slow, herbal notes as it simmers away.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds a bright, woodsy lift to the finished dish.
• Pancetta or Bacon: Optional, but it gives extra smokiness and depth.
• Salt & Pepper: Season generously to enhance all the flavors.
• Flour: A dusting before browning the beef helps create that silky, rich sauce.
• Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by patting the beef cubes dry and tossing them with salt, pepper, and a little flour. Searing them in hot olive oil until browned on all sides packs in flavor and helps the sauce thicken – don’t skip this step, even though the slow cooker will finish the job.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the pancetta or bacon (if using) and cook until crispy and golden. Then, stir in the onions, carrots, and mushrooms, sweating them until just soft and fragrant. Garlic goes in last to prevent burning. This aromatic base builds deep flavor from the ground up.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute, then splash in the red wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan – those are liquid gold for flavor! Let the wine reduce for a few minutes to concentrate its richness.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Add the seared beef, sautéed veggies, crispy bacon, wine mixture, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme to your slow cooker. Stir, cover, and let the magic happen on low for 8 hours (or high for about 4-5 if you’re impatient). The low, gentle simmer is key for that signature Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon tenderness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and thyme stems. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker sauce, mash a few of the potatoes or pull out a cup of sauce and reduce on the stove, then return it to the crock. Then, ladle your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread and dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a shower of fresh parsley, which brings freshness and color to each serving. For a classic bistro touch, try a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon bits or a dollop of crème fraîche. Fresh thyme leaves scattered on top make it look (and smell!) like it came straight from a French kitchen.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for something to soak up the luscious gravy. Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon over pillowy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta. For a lighter touch, a chunk of warm, crusty baguette is all you need to sop up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving in individual ramekins with puff pastry lids, restaurant-style, or keep it homestyle and bring the slow cooker straight to the table for a cozy, communal vibe. For an easy twist on leftovers, pile the stew onto toasted sourdough or make a savory pot pie filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon to an airtight container, and it will keep happily in the fridge for up to four days. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier as a next-day meal.

Freezing

The robust sauce and marbled beef make this a freezer superstar. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce gets too thick. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine – just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring each time, until everything’s piping hot.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon without wine?

Absolutely! You can substitute the wine with more beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. The result is still rich and delicious, just with less of that classic French undertone from the wine.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

Beef chuck roast is the gold standard for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, but beef brisket or stewing beef chunks work well, too. Look for cuts with a bit of marbling for the most tender and flavorful results.

Can I prep any steps ahead?

Yes! You can sear the beef and sauté the veggies a day ahead, then refrigerate. In the morning, add everything to the slow cooker and set it before you head out – dinner will be ready and waiting when you return.

Is there a way to thicken the sauce more?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, stir it in, and cook on high for an extra 15-20 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully without getting gummy.

How do I avoid mushy vegetables?

Add baby potatoes, carrot chunks, or mushrooms later in the cooking process if you like them a bit firmer. About two hours before finishing is perfect for most slow cookers, and it helps retain more color and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you only try one new comfort food this season, let it be Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. With its melt-in-your-mouth beef, gorgeous sauce, and soul-warming aroma, it’s a dish that makes any night feel special. Promise me you’ll give it a try—you’ll be transported to the French countryside without ever leaving your kitchen!

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