Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a rich, hearty, slow-simmered French beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, red wine, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, and herbs. Everything cooks low and slow until the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft and the sauce turns silky, deep, and packed with classic bourguignon flavor. It’s cozy, elegant, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ultra Tender Beef: Slow cooking breaks down the beef completely, creating soft, shreddable pieces that melt in your mouth without becoming dry.
• Deep French Flavor Made Easy: Traditionally, beef bourguignon requires several steps and hours of stovetop cooking. The slow cooker gives you the same restaurant-quality outcome with far less work.
• Rich, Velvety Sauce: Red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, onions, and herbs simmer together all day to create a thick, luxurious sauce that tastes even better the next day.
• Perfect for Entertaining: It’s impressive, elegant, and can be made ahead of time. Guests will think you cooked for hours , the slow cooker does the work.
• Budget Friendly: Uses simple ingredients and cheaper cuts of beef that become incredibly tender through slow cooking.
• Full Meal in One Pot: Beef, vegetables, herbs, and sauce all cook together, making it a complete dinner with minimal cleanup.
• Classic Comfort Food: Perfect for cold days, holidays, or anytime you want a flavorful, cozy meal that feels homey and comforting.
Ingredients
• 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
• 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or any dry red wine)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, halved
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Recommended Tools
These tools make slow cooker recipes easier and help everything cook evenly.
6-Quart Crockpot – the perfect size for chicken, soups, roasts, and family meals.
Slow Cooker Liners – prevent sticking and make cleaning super easy.
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: BROWN THE BEEF
• Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer to the slow cooker and leave the drippings in the pan.
• Sear the Beef: Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides in the bacon drippings until golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
STEP 2: BUILD THE FLAVOR BASE
• Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
• Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in tomato paste and flour until everything is coated and slightly thickened.
• Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and scrape up all the browned bits from the pan. Heat 2 minutes, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
STEP 3: SLOW COOK
• Add Broth & Herbs: Add beef broth, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
• Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the beef is very tender.
• Taste & Adjust: Remove bay leaves. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
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Cooking Notes
• Searing the beef adds essential flavor
• Avoid using cooking wine , choose real red wine
• Sauce thickens more as it cools
• If sauce is thin, simmer uncovered 10–15 minutes
• Chuck roast gives the best tender texture
Variations
• Substitute mushrooms with pearl onions
• Use brisket instead of chuck
• Add potatoes directly to the slow cooker
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth
• Use white wine for a lighter version
Serving Suggestions
• Serve over mashed potatoes
• Spoon over buttered noodles
• Pair with crusty French bread
• Serve with roasted green beans
• Add fresh parsley before serving
Tips
• Make one day ahead for even deeper flavor
• Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months
• Cut beef in large chunky pieces so they don’t fall apart
• Don’t skip browning , it builds authentic flavor
• Use a full-bodied red wine for the best result
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approx. 430 calories – 28g protein – 20g fat – 15g carbs
FAQs
Can I make Beef Bourguignon without wine?
- Yes. Replace the wine with extra beef broth and 1–2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to bring back richness and acidity.
What cut of beef works best?
- Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes extremely tender when slow-cooked. Brisket or bottom round also work well but may not be as buttery.
Can I make this ahead?
- Absolutely. Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I thicken the sauce?
- If the sauce is thin after cooking, remove the lid and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
Can I freeze Beef Bourguignon?
- Yes. Cool completely, place in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect blend of comfort food and French elegance. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty vegetables, a rich wine-infused sauce, and deep savory aroma, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a special gathering, this slow cooker version makes gourmet cooking simple and stress-free while still delivering the classic taste you love.
