If you are craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth stew that bursts with deep, rich flavors, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is an absolute must-try. Using a slow cooker allows all the hearty ingredients to come together effortlessly, creating tender beef bathed in a luscious red wine sauce infused with aromatic herbs, earthy mushrooms, and sweet pearl onions. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for lazy weekends or special dinners when you want impressive flavor without standing over the stove all day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe plays a key role, combining to form a rustic, soulful dish. From tender beef and fresh vegetables to the robust red wine and fragrant thyme, each component brings essential taste, texture, and color that makes this stew truly shine.
- 2 pounds stewing beef: Provides the tender, flavorful meat that is the heart of the dish.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps coat the beef for a rich, thickened sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers sweet, pungent depth.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and base flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a savory, hearty liquid foundation.
- 1 cup red wine: Infuses the stew with richness and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a touch of acidity and depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends classic herbaceous notes.
- 2 bay leaves: Impart earthy aroma and subtle bitterness.
- 1 pound small potatoes, halved: Soft, comforting starch that absorbs flavors.
- 4 large carrots, chopped: Bring sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered: Contribute umami richness and texture.
- 1/2 cup frozen pearl onions: Offer bursts of mild onion flavor and charm.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of green to finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Start by trimming any excess fat from your stewing beef and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. This size helps the beef become tender and allows each bite to soak up all the rich flavors during cooking.
Step 2: Coat the Meat
In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt and black pepper, then toss your beef cubes in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. This step is key for creating a thick, velvety sauce later on.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Heat half of your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches so they get a nice crust without steaming. This browning adds a delicious depth to the stew’s flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté your garlic and chopped onion for a few minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This elevates the stew’s base with wonderful savory sweetness.
Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef and sautéed aromatics into your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste, then sprinkle in the thyme and add the bay leaves. Stir gently to combine everything and build those layers of flavor.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Tenderness
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow simmer breaks down the beef, making it incredibly tender and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is tender, add the halved potatoes, chopped carrots, quartered mushrooms, and frozen pearl onions to the slow cooker. Continue cooking on low for another 1 to 2 hours until the vegetables are perfectly soft but still hold their shape.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Discard the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is now ready to serve—rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley add a bright freshness that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s deep, savory richness. A sprinkle right before serving really lifts the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce or creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort. A side of steamed green beans or a light salad offers a refreshing balance without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls with a dollop of crème fraîche for a touch of creaminess, or in puff pastry shells for an elegant twist. For a cozy family-style meal, present it in a large shallow dish and let everyone help themselves, fostering a warm, communal dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Beef Bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it rests, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy a convenient, delicious meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This prevents the meat from drying out and keeps the sauce luscious and thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stewing beef is ideal for tenderness and flavor absorption, chuck roast cut into cubes works just as well and yields similar results in your slow cooker.
What type of red wine is best for this recipe?
Choose a dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines add depth without overpowering the other ingredients, making your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe shine.
Can I skip the wine and still get good flavor?
Yes, but wine brings essential complexity. If avoiding alcohol, use additional beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to mimic some of the wine’s acidity and richness.
Why add flour to the beef?
Coating the beef with flour helps create a thicker sauce as it cooks down, giving your stew that classic, velvety texture without needing additional thickeners.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely! You can do all the prep steps the day before and keep the beef coated and vegetables chopped in the fridge. Just assemble everything in the slow cooker and start cooking when ready.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Each step lets the ingredients shine while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, delivering a deeply satisfying meal that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience the joy of that tender beef swimming in rich, flavorful sauce!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 8h 0m
- Total Time: 8h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Description
A rich and hearty Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe that combines tender stewing beef, robust red wine, and a medley of vegetables slow-cooked to perfection, delivering deep French flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 pound small potatoes, halved
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered
- 1/2 cup frozen pearl onions
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the stewing beef and cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture, which helps thicken the stew later.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side to develop flavor, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed garlic and onion mixture into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Add the dried thyme and bay leaves to infuse the stew with aromatic flavors.
- First Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef becomes tender.
- Add Vegetables: Add the halved potatoes, chopped carrots, quartered mushrooms, and frozen pearl onions to the slow cooker, distributing them evenly.
- Final Slow Cook: Cover and continue cooking on low for an additional 1-2 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Finish and Serve: Discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the beef bourguignon hot, enjoying its rich and comforting flavor.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use a dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy.
- Browning the beef is crucial to develop rich flavor; don’t skip this step.
- If preferred, pearl onions can be used fresh and peeled instead of frozen.
- This stew tastes even better the next day after flavors have fully melded.
- Serve with crusty bread or over buttered noodles for a complete meal.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor, but the classic recipe uses beef broth.
