Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table. This hearty stew is packed with tender beef, rich flavors, and a touch of elegance thanks to the red wine. It’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, and it’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time. Letting it simmer in the slow cooker means you can enjoy the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Toss beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Brown the beef in batches in the skillet, then transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and carrots for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Then, add beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and the bay leaf to the wine mixture.
Pour the wine mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the cooked bacon and mushrooms, and stir everything together.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning. For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, and stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Serve this Beef Bourguignon hot, preferably over a bed of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or wide pasta to soak up the rich sauce. A crusty piece of bread on the side also complements the dish well, allowing you to enjoy every drop of the flavorful sauce.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

To store leftovers, allow the Beef Bourguignon to cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove over low heat until hot.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Be sure to brown the beef and bacon well before adding them to the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavors.
If you prefer a spicier taste, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the wine mixture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You may want to add more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the beef chuck with mushrooms or use chicken instead of beef. You can also replace red wine with a low-sodium broth if you prefer to skip the alcohol.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or round. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Can I use white wine instead of red?
While traditional Beef Bourguignon uses red wine, you can use white wine for a different flavor. Just keep in mind it will change the taste of the dish.

How do I thicken the sauce?
You can whisk together cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker sauce, or let it simmer uncovered for a bit to reduce it.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon