The kitchen filled with the enticing scent of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon as I glanced at the clock, realizing dinner was just a couple of hours away. This dish, a classic French comfort food, seems made for busy evenings—where I can sip a glass of wine while my trusty slow cooker does the heavy lifting. Tender beef melds beautifully with fragrant vegetables and a luscious, velvety sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that whisk you away to a quaint café in the heart of France.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re prepping an elegant meal for guests or simply craving something hearty for a quiet night in, this dish never disappoints. Plus, with easy ingredient substitutions available, you can customize it to suit your dietary needs—or simply to use what’s on hand.
Grab your slow cooker and let’s unlock the secret to effortless gourmet cooking!
Why is Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon a Must-Try?
Comforting Aroma: The rich, savory scent wafting from your kitchen will make everyone feel right at home, instantly making this dish a family favorite.
Set It and Forget It: With minimal prep time, you can focus on other tasks while the slow cooker transforms the ingredients into a gourmet delight.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe impresses with its elegant appearance and delicious flavor, ensuring compliments all around.
Versatile Adjustments: Feel free to swap beef for chicken or make it vegetarian with hearty root veggies—truly a meal that fits any preference!
Healthy Indulgence: Packed with nutrients, this dish offers a comforting yet balanced meal, making it a guilt-free comfort food option.
Pair it with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or a crusty baguette for a truly delightful experience.
Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Ingredients
For the Beef
• Beef Chuck Roast – Provides a tender and flavorful base, critical for the stew’s richness; best to use cuts with good marbling.
• Bacon – Adds depth and savory flavor to the dish; can substitute with pancetta for a similar taste.
For the Aromatics
• Onions (2 medium) – Serve as the aromatic foundation, enhancing flavor; yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic (3 cloves) – Offers a pungent kick; fresh garlic is recommended for maximum flavor.
For the Liquid Base
• Red Wine (1 bottle) – Preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir, contributing to the dish’s richness; gives an authentic feel to your slow cooked beef bourguignon.
• Beef Broth (2 cups) – Enhances the stew base; using low-sodium broth allows for better control of salt levels.
For the Vegetables
• Carrots (4 medium) – Adds sweetness and texture; be mindful of timing to prevent mushiness.
• Mushrooms (8 ounces) – Cremini or button mushrooms add an earthy flavor; other varieties can be used as substitutions.
For the Flavor Makers
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons) – Deepens flavor and adds umami; essential for a robust sauce.
• Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon) – Essential herb for flavor; consider dried thyme at a 3:1 ratio if fresh isn’t available.
• Bay Leaves (2 leaves) – Add delightful aroma; just remember to remove them before serving.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust according to personal preference.
For Thickening
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons) – Used for thickening the stew; cornstarch can serve as a gluten-free alternative.
For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons) – Adds a touch of color and freshness; sprinkle generously before serving!
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper. Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté Bacon: Dice the bacon and sauté it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it’s crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to your slow cooker, leaving the drippings for added flavor.
- Brown Beef: In the same skillet, add the seasoned beef cubes in batches. Brown them for 3-4 minutes on each side until you see a nice golden color. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: Use the remaining bacon drippings to cook the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add this to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped carrots, mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, fresh thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and bursting with flavor.
- Thicken Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the all-purpose flour with some cooking liquid from the slow cooker to form a slurry. Stir this back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves! Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Optional: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a delightful pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as possible.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems too thick.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the stew a day in advance; the flavors deepen overnight, making your slow cooked beef bourguignon even more delicious!
What to Serve with Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon?
Bring your dining experience to a whole new level by pairing this indulgent dish with delightful accompaniments that enhance its flavors.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky and buttery, they soak up the rich sauce perfectly, making each bite a heavenly experience.
- Crusty French Baguette: Ideal for sopping up the hearty sauce, a warm, crusty baguette adds a rustic touch that complements the dish beautifully.
- Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed with garlic, these vibrant green beans provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the beef bourguignon.
- Buttery Noodles: Tender and comforting, buttery noodles enhance the dish’s flavor and make for a cozy, filling meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized and earthy, seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and parsnips resonate with the dish’s homemade essence.
- Classic Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine and tangy dressing refreshes the palate between bites, balancing the richness of the stew.
- Red Wine: Pairing with a glass of the same red wine used in the dish, like a Pinot Noir, creates a harmonious experience of flavors.
- Chocolate Fondue: End the meal on a sweet note with chocolate fondue and fresh fruits, perfect for sharing and enjoying together.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon
• Brown the Meat Properly: Ensure the beef and bacon are well-browned before adding them to the slow cooker; this enhances the overall flavor of your dish.
• Avoid Lumpy Sauce: Make a slurry by mixing flour with some cooking liquid to thicken your sauce smoothly; this prevents lumps in your delicious slow cooked beef bourguignon.
• Check Tenderness: Test the beef for fork-tenderness before serving; it should easily fall apart for the best texture that everyone will love.
• Timing for Vegetables: Be mindful of when to add vegetables like carrots; if added too early, they may turn mushy. Add them according to their cooking times.
• Experiment with Herbs: Fresh thyme is fantastic, but don’t hesitate to try rosemary or tarragon for a unique twist in flavor that your family will appreciate.
Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this comforting dish to suit your taste and pantry availability!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use hearty root vegetables, mushrooms, or jackfruit instead of beef, and opt for vegetable broth for a rich flavor.
- Herb Alternatives: Experiment with rosemary or a bouquet garni for a fragrant twist on the traditional thyme—each herb imparts its own unique taste.
- Mushroom Medley: Switch out cremini or button mushrooms for shiitake or portobello mushrooms, which deliver a deeper earthy flavor.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes, adding a sweet, buttery essence to the stew’s profile.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an elevated heat level that wakes up the taste buds.
- Red Wine Swap: Replace red wine with a robust stock or try a non-alcoholic red wine option for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.
- Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream cheese just before serving for an indulgently creamy sauce that elevates each bite.
Embrace these variations and make this dish your own, while still enjoying the magic of slow-cooked perfection!
Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best beef for my Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon?
Absolutely! When choosing the beef, look for cuts like beef chuck roast with good marbling; this fat renders during cooking, creating a tender, flavorful dish. Avoid lean cuts as they can become tough and dry in the slow cooker.
How long can I store the leftovers of my Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon?
Very! You can store your beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain its quality.
Can I freeze Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your beef bourguignon, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a sealed container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
What should I do if my sauce turns out lumpy?
Not to worry! If your sauce is lumpy, whisk it vigorously, or try transferring it to a blender to smooth it out. If you’re just starting, remember to create a slurry by mixing the flour with some cooking liquid before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps in the first place.
Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Yes, indeed! To make a gluten-free version of Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon, simply replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch as a thickening agent. It works perfectly and still gives you that delightful, rich sauce!
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Very much! You can substitute beef with chicken or even use a variety of root vegetables for a vegetarian version. Additionally, feel free to swap bacon with pancetta or omit it altogether for a lighter dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment based on what you have on hand!
Irresistibly Easy Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms.
- Sauté Bacon: Dice the bacon and sauté it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy. Transfer to slow cooker, leaving drippings.
- Brown Beef: In the same skillet, add seasoned beef cubes in batches. Brown for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: Use remaining drippings to cook onions and garlic, stirring for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add to slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add carrots, mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves to slow cooker. Mix well.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix all-purpose flour with some cooking liquid to form a slurry. Stir back into slow cooker to thicken sauce.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot. Optionally serve over creamy mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
Notes
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