Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Craving a deep, comforting, and flavorful dinner? Let me share my absolute favorite: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. This French classic is all about fall-apart tender beef, velvety wine sauce, and a melody of vegetables, all gently simmered together. With a bit of prep and a trusty slow cooker, you can bring true bistro magic to your kitchen—no fancy skills required! Whether you want a cozy weeknight meal or a dazzling Sunday supper, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into pure comfort. Trust me, you’ll want to tuck into this again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is how simple ingredients create such rich, layered flavor. Each item in this recipe brings something essential to the table—don’t skip a thing! These are truly the building blocks of a spectacular meal.

• Beef chuck: This cut becomes meltingly tender after slow cooking; just be sure to cut it into even 1-inch cubes for perfect results.
• Red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir): Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking! This is the backbone of the dish’s signature depth.
• Beef broth: Gives the sauce a savory base, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
• Onion: Chopped onion adds gentle sweetness and body to the stew as it cooks down.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings that indispensable punchy aroma and warmth.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots infuse the sauce with a hint of sweetness and provide beautiful color.
• Mushrooms: Quartered mushrooms soak up all the delicious juices, adding a rustic, earthy element.
• Tomato paste: Just a touch intensifies the sauce and offers a subtle, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Dried thyme: This herb enhances everything with its delicate, woodsy fragrance—you’ll notice it!
• Bay leaf: Essential for savory complexity (don’t forget to fish it out at the end!)
• Salt and pepper: These kitchen staples help lift and unify all the other flavors.
• Olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing—the key first step for building savory depth.
• Fresh parsley: Don’t skip the final flourish; it brightens and freshens each serving beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Set your slow cooker aside for now and grab a large skillet. Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat—it should shimmer, not smoke. Working in batches if needed, brown all sides of the beef cubes. This step caramelizes the meat, locking in juices and lending irresistible richness to your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Once browned, pile the beef straight into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Don’t even think of washing that skillet! Using the same pan, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until aromatic and beautifully softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Those little brown bits mean loads of flavor. Once the onions and garlic are tender and fragrant, transfer them into the slow cooker with the beef.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Liquids

Tumble in your carrots and mushrooms, then pour in the red wine and beef broth right over everything. Dollop in the tomato paste, sprinkle the dried thyme, toss in your bay leaf, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give it all a gentle stir so everything gets acquainted in the pot. This is where the alchemy begins for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it—and forget it! Cook on low for 8 hours or, if you’re in a hurry, on high for about 4 hours. The beef should end up fork-tender, needing almost no effort to break apart. Your kitchen will smell so inviting, you’ll be counting the minutes until dinner.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

With your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon ready, fish out the bay leaf. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone swoon!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Its vibrant green leaves instantly brighten up the rich, deep colors of the stew and provide a fresh note to every bite. For an extra dash of elegance, a few thyme leaves or a swirl of extra virgin olive oil never go amiss.

Side Dishes

You simply can’t go wrong with velvety mashed potatoes—they soak up that luscious sauce like a dream. Crusty French bread is equally wonderful for mopping the bowl clean (don’t be shy!). For something lighter, spoon your bourguignon over buttered egg noodles or even creamy polenta. A simple green salad on the side helps keep the meal perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon in individual crocks or wide shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the dish. Top with microgreens for a gourmet flourish, or serve it as a filling for crisp little puff pastry shells (a major dinner party upgrade). If you’re feeling playful, try ladling it over toasted garlic bread for a hearty, rustic spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon to an airtight container as soon as it cools. Pop it in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for up to four days. The flavors actually get even better after a night in the fridge—talk about a win!

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream! Let your bourguignon cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for round two, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave—just cover loosely and heat in short increments, stirring in between. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it needs loosening up.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is traditional and yields that signature tenderness, brisket or stewing beef cubes also work well. Just be sure to choose a cut with enough marbling for a silky result.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth plus a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra depth. The finished stew will still have plenty of rich flavor.

How do I know when the beef is done?

When the beef shreds easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender, your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is ready. If it’s not tender enough, just let it go a bit longer—every slow cooker runs a little differently!

Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?

You can! Add baby potatoes or chopped waxy potatoes along with the other vegetables if you prefer everything in one pot. They’ll soak up the sauce and create an even heartier meal.

Is Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon gluten free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten free! Just double-check all your store-bought ingredients (like beef broth) to be sure they’re gluten free if you’re serving guests with allergies.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling pot of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon to bring warmth and joy to your table. Go on and treat yourself (and your favorite people!) to a meal that feels extra special, with just a few everyday ingredients and a little patience. Try it once, and you’ll know why it’s such a beloved classic. Dinner just got a whole lot cozier!

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