Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the ultimate comfort dish: tender beef, rich red wine sauce,
hearty vegetables, and slow-cooked flavors that deepen with every hour. This classic French
recipe becomes incredibly easy when made in a slow cooker — all the flavor, none of the fuss.
Perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week.

Description

This dish features melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered with red wine, beef broth, mushrooms,
carrots, fresh herbs, and garlic. The slow cooking method transforms simple ingredients into a
luxurious, savory stew with a glossy finish and deep aromatic flavor. Serve it over mashed
potatoes, egg noodles, or creamy polenta for a full comforting meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef Bourguignon

• 2–3 lbs (900 g–1.3 kg) beef chuck, cut into large cubes
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, halved
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups red wine (Burgundy preferred)
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional for Extra Richness

• 1 tbsp butter at the end
• Pearl onions

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Transfer bacon to the slow cooker.
2. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in the bacon fat. Add to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook briefly. Transfer to the slow cooker.
4. Add tomato paste to the skillet, stir, sprinkle flour, and cook briefly. Pour in red wine to deglaze, scraping brown bits.
5. Pour wine mixture into the slow cooker. Add beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and bacon.
6. Cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until beef is very tender.
7. Remove bay leaf, stir, adjust seasoning, and add butter if desired.
8. Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread. Garnish with parsley.

Tips

• Use a dry red wine like Burgundy, Cabernet, or Merlot for best flavor.
• Searing the beef adds essential richness — don’t skip it.
• If the sauce is thin, simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
• This dish tastes even better the next day.
• Add pearl onions for traditional sweetness.

Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

• Avoid using stew meat — beef chuck gives the best texture.
• Don’t add wine without cooking; it creates a harsh flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing beef.
• Too many vegetables will water down the sauce.

Enjoy

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon — a deeply flavorful, tender, and comforting dish that
transforms simple ingredients into something gourmet with minimal effort.