Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a comforting, rich French stew made with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory red wine sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe lets you enjoy classic, hearty flavors with minimal hands-on time, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into chunks)
• 6 slices of bacon (chopped)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups red wine (such as burgundy)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 lb. small potatoes (halved)
• 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Step 2: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, brown the beef chunks on all sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Step 5: Pour in the red wine and beef broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the tomato paste and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour it over the beef in the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
7. Step 7: About 1 hour before the beef is done, add the halved potatoes and cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
8. Step 8: Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve the slow cooker beef bourguignon garnished with the crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, use a good-quality dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the liquid reduce slightly.
• Substitute pearl onions for regular onions for a traditional touch.
• Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for extra complexity.

Storage

Store leftover beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, chuck roast or brisket are excellent alternatives as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Do I have to use red wine in this recipe?

Red wine adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute with additional beef broth or grape juice if you prefer not to use alcohol.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 107 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a comforting French-inspired stew featuring tender chunks of beef, crispy bacon, baby bella mushrooms, and hearty vegetables slow-cooked in rich red wine and beef broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe combines deep flavors developed over hours of slow cooking, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth meal garnished with fresh parsley.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Bacon

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into chunks)
• 6 slices of bacon (chopped)

Vegetables

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 lb. small potatoes (halved)
• 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms (sliced)

Liquids and Flavorings

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups red wine (such as Burgundy)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Prepare Beef: Season beef chunks with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Brown Beef: Brown the beef chunks in the bacon fat on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Deglaze and Prepare Sauce: Pour in the red wine and beef broth, stirring to loosen browned bits from the skillet bottom. Add tomato paste and dried thyme, bring to a simmer.
6. Transfer Sauce: Pour the simmering liquid over the beef in the slow cooker.
7. Slow Cook: Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is very tender.
8. Add Potatoes and Mushrooms: About 1 hour before completion, add halved potatoes and sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. Continue cooking until vegetables are tender.
9. Finish: Skim off excess fat from the surface of the sauce once cooking is complete.
10. Serve: Garnish with crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Notes

• For best flavor, use a full-bodied red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir.
• If you prefer thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
• You can substitute baby bella mushrooms with cremini mushrooms as preferred.
• To speed up browning, dry the beef chunks thoroughly before dredging in flour.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Stew
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Keywords: Beef Bourguignon, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, French Stew, Slow Cooker Dinner, Comfort Food, Red Wine Stew