Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

If you crave a hearty, soul-warming meal that practically melts in your mouth, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is exactly what you need. This classic French stew is elevated by slow cooking tender beef chuck with rich red wine, aromatic herbs, and a medley of vegetables that create an incredible depth of flavor. The magic of a slow cooker makes it easy to let those flavors develop over hours, filling your home with the most comforting aroma imaginable. Every forkful bursts with juicy beef goodness, tender carrots, and earthy mushrooms, all bathed in a luscious, wine-infused sauce that’s perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple and wholesome ingredients come together to create the magic in this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Each component serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s building the rich sauce, contributing texture, or layering in subtle flavors that come alive during slow cooking.

• Beef chuck (2 lbs): This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes beautifully tender while soaking up all the flavors.
• Red wine (1 cup): Burgundy or Pinot Noir adds acidity and depth, giving the stew its signature richness.
• Beef broth (2 cups): Enhances the beefiness and creates a luscious base for the sauce.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings a warm, pungent flavor that complements the wine and beef.
• Carrots (2 cups, sliced): Provide a tender texture and subtle natural sweetness.
• Mushrooms (2 cups, quartered): Introduce earthiness and soak up the savory juices beautifully.
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce and adds a hearty umami kick.
• Dried thyme (1 tsp): Contributes herbal notes that brighten the stew.
• Bay leaf (1): Infuses subtle complexity and fragrance during cooking.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, enhancing richness.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches to ensure a beautiful sear on all sides—this step locks in flavor and gives your stew that deep, caramelized richness. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker to start building the base of your dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth that’s essential to the finished Bourguignon. Then, transfer these to the slow cooker on top of the beef.

Step 3: Add Vegetables, Liquids, and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add your sliced carrots, quartered mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those vibrant ingredients. This mixture will slowly meld together during cooking, creating layers of warming, complex flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Stew

Cover your slow cooker and let it do its magic. Cook on low for 8 hours if you have the time, or on high for 4 hours if you’re in a bit more of a hurry. The longer cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the sauce to thicken into a luxurious, velvety consistency. You’ll know it’s done when the beef practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

Before serving, remove the bay leaf—it has done its job infusing flavor but can be bitter if left in. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to brighten up the dish both visually and with a hint of herbal freshness. Your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is now ready to wow anyone lucky enough to share your table.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds the perfect touch of green and a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that cuts beautifully through the rich sauce. If you want a little more texture, try adding crisp, fried pearl onions or a dollop of crème fraîche to add creaminess and a touch of tang.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes, which soak up the sauce like a dream. Crusty French bread is another excellent choice to scoop up every last drop. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a simple green salad provide freshness and contrast against the richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress a crowd? Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon in individual ramekins or stone bowls for an elegant touch. You could also layer the stew over creamy polenta for a comforting twist, or pile it beside buttered egg noodles for a hearty, homey meal that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture. The beef and vegetables actually deepen in flavor overnight, making reheated leftovers even more satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its tender texture or rich taste.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw the stew overnight in the fridge for the best results. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, reheat on low heat and add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I substitute another cut of beef?

Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use brisket or short ribs. Just be aware that different cuts may need slight adjustments in cooking time to become tender.

What type of wine should I use?

Stick to a dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir to get that classic flavor. Avoid cooking wines or overly sweet varieties, as they can alter the taste in unwanted ways.

Is it possible to make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Substitute the red wine with additional beef broth and a splash of red grape juice or balsamic vinegar to maintain acidity and depth. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can do all the prep—chopping, browning the beef, and assembling the slow cooker ingredients—a day ahead. Store everything in the slow cooker insert covered in the fridge, then start cooking the next day for maximum convenience.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be rich and slightly thick, able to coat the back of a spoon. If it seems too thin after cooking, you can remove the lid and cook on high for 15–20 minutes to reduce and concentrate the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like settling in with a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon after a long day. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, full of comfort and elegance all at once. Give this recipe a try, and I promise your slow cooker will become your new best friend in the kitchen. You’ll love sharing the incredible flavors and tender textures this stew brings to your table!

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