Post Views: 2,147

Table of Contents

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe – Easy & Classic French Comfort Food

If you’re craving a hearty, rich, and flavorful meal, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a must-try. This French classic is made easy with a crockpot, delivering melt-in-your-mouth beef in a savory wine sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers comfort and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season the beef chuck cubes with salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer each batch to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. This adds smoky richness to the stew. Transfer cooked bacon to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Using the bacon drippings in the skillet, add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to enhance the depth of flavor.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then pour the mixture into the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add Broth and Herbs

Into the slow cooker, add:

Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Dried thyme
Bay leaves

Stir everything together gently to combine.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.

Step 8: Add Mushrooms

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the quartered mushrooms. They’ll soak up the flavor and cook to a perfect texture.

Step 9: Thicken the Sauce

Create a slurry by mixing the flour with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 10: Final Touch & Serve

Remove the bay leaves. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this classic Beef Bourguignon over:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Crusty French bread
Steamed rice

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Wine Matters: Use a good-quality dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir for the most authentic flavor.
Don’t skip browning: Searing the beef and sautéing veggies adds layers of flavor.
Let it rest: Like most stews, this dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make in a slow cooker
Comforting, rich, and full of deep flavor
Perfect for family meals or special occasions
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon