Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about a classic beef stew, especially when you let it simmer low and slow all day. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe captures the essence of that French dish we all admire, but makes it so easy you can walk away and trust your slow cooker to do the work. The rich, tender beef soaks up the deep flavors of red wine and herbs, making it perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without standing over the stove for hours.
I’ve found this recipe to be a real lifesaver on busy days or when I want a meal ready by the time I walk in the door. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving — even if you’re new to slow cooking, you’ll enjoy the rewarding payoff of a hearty, flavorful dish. Once you try this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe, it might just become your go-to for those special-at-home nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients blend effortlessly to create that classic bourguignon flavor, but I always recommend choosing quality beef and wine for the best result. Don’t worry — these aren’t fancy or hard to find, and with a few simple staples, you’ll have a stellar meal coming together in no time.
- Beef chuck: The best cut for slow cooking because it becomes wonderfully tender while still holding its shape.
- Red wine: Burgundy or Pinot Noir works beautifully — it tenderizes and adds rich depth. Choose something you’d enjoy sipping.
- Beef broth: Adds savory background and keeps everything moist.
- Onion: Gives natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Garlic: For that classic aromatic kick.
- Carrots: Add color and natural sweetness that balances the wine’s acidity.
- Mushrooms: Their earthiness is essential in bourguignon — fresh, quartered ones work best.
- Tomato paste: Just a bit helps thicken the sauce and adds subtle tang.
- Dried thyme: A signature herb that adds warmth without overpowering.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a gentle, fragrant note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste — seasoning is key for a well-balanced dish.
- Olive oil: For browning the beef and bringing out flavors before slow cooking.
- Fresh parsley: For a fresh finish and pretty garnish.
Variations
This dish is so flexible! I like to tweak it depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can easily make it your own with a few small swaps or additions.
- Vegetarian twist: Try substituting beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or using lentils — you still get the rich flavor without the meat.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick; I did this once and loved the extra layer of warmth.
- Seasonal veggies: Swap carrots for parsnips or add pearl onions for that classic touch.
- Gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your beef broth to be safe if you have sensitivities.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear your beef cubes until they’re browned on all sides. This step might seem small, but it locks in those deep, savory flavors you want in your bourguignon. I usually do this in batches to avoid overcrowding — crowded meat steams instead of browns.
Step 2: Layer Everything into the Slow Cooker
Once your beef is browned, toss it into the slow cooker. Add in your chopped onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour over the red wine and beef broth — these liquids will become that luscious sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, but don’t overmix; we want those flavors layered delicately.
Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen for 7 to 8 hours. This long, gentle cook time is what transforms tough chuck into melt-in-your-mouth delight. Resist the temptation to open the lid often — every peek lets heat escape and can slow down the cooking.
Step 4: Finish and Season
In the last 30 minutes, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce feels too thin, you can whisk a little cornstarch with water and stir it in, then switch your slow cooker to high for a bit until it thickens nicely.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — it adds a burst of color and a bright herbaceous note that balances the richness. If you want, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracked peppercorns on top take it up a notch.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even crusty French bread to soak up all that sauce. I love serving it alongside roasted green beans or a simple green salad for some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re celebrating something special, try serving the bourguignon in individual ramekins or deep plates, garnished with a fresh thyme sprig. I once layered it over a garlic-parmesan polenta which was an instant hit at my dinner party — total crowd-pleaser and looks so elegant!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the stew cool completely before sealing it to keep the flavors fresh and the texture just right.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream. I separate portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I thaw overnight in the fridge — easy and stress-free.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This keeps the beef tender and the sauce silky without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find the stovetop method retains the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal because of its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts might be less tender and could dry out, so slow cooking time may need adjustment.
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Can I prepare this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe without wine?
Yes! If you prefer omitting wine, replace it with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of red grape juice to mimic that slight acidity and richness. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
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Is it better to cook this dish on low or high in the slow cooker?
Cooking on low for 7-8 hours is best for tenderizing the beef and developing deep flavors. High heat works if you’re short on time but results might be slightly less tender and flavorful.
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Can I add potatoes to this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe?
You can, but I recommend adding potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking. Otherwise, they might become too mushy from the long cook time.
- How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin after cooking?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes. This will thicken the sauce beautifully without altering the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—not just because it tastes incredible, but because of the ease and comfort it brings to busy days. I love how it fills my home with that warm, inviting aroma and delivers a meal that feels like a big, flavorful hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular — perfect for those moments when you want impressive home cooking minus the fuss.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a rich and comforting French stew featuring tender beef chuck slowly cooked with red wine, beef broth, aromatic vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a hearty meal, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the deep flavors of Burgundy wine, mushrooms, and thyme. It’s an easy slow cooker recipe that brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Liquids
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 2 cups beef broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, quartered
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep and Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown all sides until nicely seared. This step locks in the juices and adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and quartered mushrooms on top of the beef.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or until the beef is very tender and flavors are well blended. Alternatively, cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a dry red wine such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir.
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure good caramelization.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it with a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking in the slow cooker.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; flavors improve when reheated.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Beef Bourguignon, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, French Beef Recipe, Easy Beef Bourguignon, Slow Cooker Recipes
