Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

by Jessica | March 18, 2025 12:54 pm

Have you ever wanted to make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon[1] but felt intimidated by the long cooking process? The good news is, with a slow cooker, you can achieve that rich, deep flavor with minimal effort! This Slow Cooker Beef[2] Bourguignon transforms a French classic[3] into an easy, foolproof meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

With tender beef[4], aromatic red wine sauce, earthy mushrooms, and carrots, this dish is the definition of comfort food. Plus, by using a slow cooker, you allow the flavors to develop beautifully over time, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s dive into how to make the best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon at home!

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Ingredients List

This recipe calls for simple, high-quality ingredients that blend together for an incredible depth of flavor.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ lbs beef chuck roast[5] (cut into 1 ½-inch cubes) – Perfect for slow cooking.
• 6 slices bacon (chopped) – Adds smoky richness.
• 1 large onion (diced) – Creates a flavorful base.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Adds depth to the sauce.
• 2 cups carrots (sliced) – Adds natural sweetness.
• 8 oz mushrooms (halved) – Brings an earthy taste.
• 1 cup pearl onions – Traditional in Beef Bourguignon.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Enhances the sauce’s richness.
• 2 cups dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir) – The key to the dish’s bold flavor.
• 1 cup beef broth – Ensures a luscious sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Classic French seasoning.
• 1 bay leaf – Infuses flavor as it cooks.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Optional Garnishes & Additions:

• Chopped fresh parsley – For a fresh finish.
• Crusty bread or mashed potatoes – Perfect for serving.

Substitutions & Variations:

• Swap beef chuck for short ribs for a more decadent version.
• Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
• Replace red wine with extra broth if avoiding alcohol.

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Timing

One of the biggest benefits of this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is that it requires very little hands-on time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
• Total Time: ~8 hours 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Bacon

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, then transfer to a plate.
2. In the same pan, sear the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. This adds a deep, caramelized flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables[6]

1. In the same pan, add onions, garlic, and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
2. Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

1. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits (this step adds extra flavor!).
2. Let the wine simmer for 3 minutes, then pour it into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Add mushrooms, pearl onions, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
2. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg

This dish is high in protein and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’d like to make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon a bit lighter, try these tweaks:

• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce fat.
• Replace half the beef with extra mushrooms for a more plant-based version.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake.
• Thicken with cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon? Here are some classic pairings:

• Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes soak up the rich sauce.
• Buttered egg noodles – A simple and traditional side.
• Crusty French bread – Perfect for dipping into the sauce.
• Steamed green beans – Adds a fresh contrast to the dish.

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with these sides takes it to the next level!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon turns out perfectly every time:

1. Skipping the searing step – Browning the beef first adds a depth of flavor you can’t get from slow cooking alone.
2. Not draining the saucy elements properly – Too much liquid can make the sauce thin. Reduce it after cooking if needed.
3. Using the wrong wine – Avoid sweet wines; stick to dry reds like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. Overcooking on high heat – Cooking low and slow ensures the beef stays tender and juicy.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen over time!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon brings French elegance to your kitchen with minimal effort. The rich wine sauce, tender beef, and aromatic vegetables create a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious slow cooker meals! 🍷🥩

FAQs

1. Can I make Beef Bourguignon without wine?

Yes! Use extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

2. What’s the best cut of beef for this dish?

Chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or short ribs also work well.

3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for 35 minutes on high.

4. What if my sauce is too thin?

Simmer it uncovered on the stove for a few minutes to reduce, or add a cornstarch slurry.

5. Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?

Yes! Cut them into large chunks so they don’t overcook.

Source URL: https://ladysuniverse.com/slow-cooker-beef-bourguignon/

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