Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Imagine a dish that greets you with an intoxicating aroma, promising tender beef that melts in your mouth, enveloped in a rich, deeply flavored sauce brimming with earthy mushrooms and sweet carrots. This is the magic of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, a classic French stew transformed into an effortlessly elegant meal. Perfect for busy days, this hearty one-pot wonder delivers complex flavors with minimal fuss, making it a firm favorite for comforting evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor Depth: The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating an incredibly rich and savory Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon experience.
  
• Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Minimal hands-on time for maximum reward.
  
• Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome ingredients, this stew offers a balanced and nourishing meal.
  
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for healthy lunch or dinner leftovers.
  

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting an exceptional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Think fresh, vibrant, and ethically sourced where possible. Here’s what we need:

• 1.5 kg Beef Chuck Roast: Choose a good quality, well-marbled cut, ideally grass-fed, cut into 5cm (2-inch) cubes. This ensures incredibly tender results for your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
  
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil for searing.
  
• 200g Smoked Bacon Lardons: Or thick-cut bacon, diced. This adds incredible depth and savory notes to the base of the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
  
• 2 Large Carrots: Peeled and cut into thick rounds.
  
• 2 Celery Stalks: Washed and thickly sliced.
  
• 1 Large Yellow Onion: Roughly chopped.
  
• 4 cloves Garlic: Minced.
  
• 70g Tomato Paste: Essential for umami and richness in the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon sauce.
  
• 750ml Dry Red Wine: A good quality Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon works wonders. Don’t use anything you wouldn’t drink!
  
• 500ml Beef Broth: Low sodium, high quality beef broth.
  
• 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme: Tied together with kitchen twine.
  
• 1 Bay Leaf: Fragrant and aromatic.
  
• 250g Cremini Mushrooms: Whole or halved, depending on size.
  
• 200g Pearl Onions: Peeled. If unavailable, quarter a small red onion.
  
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch slurry at the end.
  
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
  
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
  

Substitutions & Variations

Adapt this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon to your preferences and what you have on hand. For a lighter touch, you can reduce the amount of bacon or opt for turkey bacon. If you prefer a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar alongside the broth.

To boost the vegetable content, consider adding cubed sweet potatoes or parsnips during the last hour of cooking. For those looking for plant-based options, while this is a classic beef dish, you can adapt the concept with large portobello mushrooms and root vegetables, using a rich vegetable broth instead of beef.

For a lighter touch to this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, you might want to consider adding some green goodness. You can even try a delicious side like Spinach Soup to enhance your meal with more nutrients.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow Cooker (6-7 quart/litre capacity): Essential for this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe.
  
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For searing the beef and sautéing vegetables.
  
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients.
  
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate quantities.
  
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this glorious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Drying the beef is crucial for a good sear, which locks in flavor for your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
   
2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned. Remove seared beef and transfer it to your slow cooker.
   
3. Cook the Bacon: Add the bacon lardons to the same skillet. Cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and add it to the slow cooker with the beef. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
   
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add carrots, celery, and onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This develops a rich flavor base for your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
   
5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the red wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by about half, approximately 5-7 minutes. This concentrates the wine’s flavor.
   
6. Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the reduced wine mixture over the beef and bacon in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine everything.
   
7. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and falls apart easily. The long cooking time ensures perfect texture for the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
   
8. Prepare Mushrooms and Pearl Onions: About 30-45 minutes before serving, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the mushrooms and pearl onions until lightly browned and tender.
   
9. Thicken and Finish: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, remove about 1/2 cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Stir this slurry back into the slow cooker. Add the sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions. Cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
   
10. Serve: Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish your beautiful Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

When preparing the beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, searing is essential for locking in the flavors. After mastering this technique, you may also appreciate the hearty goodness of Corned Beef Soup, which is another fantastic way to enjoy tender beef.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef and bacon creates a crucial depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. This step is non-negotiable for a truly authentic Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
  
• Quality Wine Matters: The wine is a primary flavor component. Use a dry red wine you would enjoy drinking on its own. It makes a significant difference in the final taste of your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
  
• Reduce the Wine: Reducing the wine on the stovetop concentrates its flavors and cooks off some of the alcohol, preventing the sauce from tasting overly boozy.
  
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the beef, work in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, steaming the meat instead of browning it.
  
• Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thin at the end, the flour slurry trick (or a cornstarch slurry for gluten-free) is your best friend. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth or water.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a fantastic make-ahead meal, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in intervals until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce appears too thick after refrigeration or freezing.

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors deepen with time, making leftovers delightful. You may also want to try storing it alongside Cheeseburger Soup, which complements the heartiness of your stew.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A classic Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon deserves equally delightful and often simple accompaniments that complement its rich flavors without overpowering them. Here are some healthy and delicious pairings:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate classic pairing. Their smooth texture soaks up the rich sauce perfectly.
  
• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the luscious sauce of your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
  
• Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the stew beautifully.
  
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Beyond what’s in the stew, consider roasted parsnips, extra carrots, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and color.
  
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple, crisp-tender vegetables offer a lovely contrast in texture and freshness to the hearty Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the sauce, or use a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water) stirred in at the end of the cooking cycle. Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.

What if I don’t have red wine?

While red wine is traditional and adds immense depth to Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, you can use non-alcoholic alternatives. Substitute with an equal amount of extra beef broth or a mixture of beef broth and a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to mimic the acidity and complexity. However, for the truest Bourguignon flavor, wine is highly recommended.

Can I add other vegetables to my Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?

Yes, certainly! This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or small potatoes during the last few hours of cooking.

Green beans or peas can also be stirred in during the last 30 minutes for added color and nutrients. Be mindful not to overcrowd your slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a beloved dish that exemplifies the art of French cooking, blending rich flavors and tender cuts of meat into a comforting stew. This traditional recipe often features beef braised in red wine, accompanied by aromatic vegetables, making it a classic comfort food perfect for gatherings or everyday meals. Learn more about this culinary tradition in the article on French cuisine.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon embodies warmth and culinary creativity, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, unforgettable experience. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor, gather, and enjoy the beauty of slow-cooked perfection. A testament to how good food nourishes both body and soul.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutritional information is an estimate based on average ingredient values.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew that features tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and sweet carrots, all cooked together in a rich and savory sauce. It’s effortlessly elegant and perfect for busy days, offering unbeatable flavor depth and nutrient-rich goodness.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: French

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 kg Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 5cm cubes
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 200g Smoked Bacon Lardons
• 2 Large Carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds
• 2 Celery Stalks, washed and thickly sliced
• 1 Large Yellow Onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 70g Tomato Paste
• 750ml Dry Red Wine
• 500ml Beef Broth
• 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 250g Cremini Mushrooms
• 200g Pearl Onions, peeled
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish

Method

 

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef in batches until browned.
3. Cook the bacon: Add bacon lardons to the skillet and cook until crispy.
4. Sauté aromatics: Cook carrots, celery, and onion in the reserved bacon fat, then add garlic and tomato paste.
5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in red wine and reduce by half.
6. Combine in slow cooker: Add the wine mixture to the slow cooker with beef and bacon, and add broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
7. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
8. Prepare mushrooms and pearl onions: Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter until browned.
9. Thicken and finish: Add flour slurry if needed, then stir in sautéed mushrooms and onions.
10. Serve: Remove thyme and bay leaf, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.