Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 bottle of dry red wine; 2 cups beef broth; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 4 carrots, sliced; 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered; 1 onion, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the rich, deep flavors of classic French cuisine with this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe. Tender chunks of beef simmer in a luscious red wine sauce with fragrant herbs, carrots, and mushrooms, creating a hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion. Discover the secrets to achieving ultra-tender beef and a velvety sauce that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings, this dish represents comfort food at its finest.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2025-11-28T13:09:27.497Z

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a beloved classic that transforms simple ingredients into a dish that’s brimming with flavor. The slow cooking method ensures that the beef remains tender and the sauce rich.

The Essence of Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience deeply rooted in French culinary tradition. Originating from the Burgundy region, this dish highlights the use of rich red wine and high-quality cuts of meat, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting feast. As the beef simmers, it absorbs all the flavors, resulting in tender morsels that melt in your mouth. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a slow-cooked meal that delivers on depth and heartiness.

One of the secrets behind an exceptional Beef Bourguignon lies in the quality of the wine used. Selecting a good dry red wine, preferably a Burgundy or Pinot Noir, enhances the dish's flavor profile significantly. The wine works harmoniously with the tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables, creating a velvety sauce that envelops the beef. It's crucial to use a wine that you would enjoy drinking as it significantly influences the final taste of this classic stew.

Perfect Pairings

Beef Bourguignon is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic touch, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crusty French bread, perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. Alternatively, consider a light and refreshing green salad to balance the rich flavors and textures. Roasted vegetables also complement this hearty dish, enhancing its presentation and flavor with seasonal produce.

For an added layer of taste and indulgence, consider serving Beef Bourguignon with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe. This not only enhances the dining experience but also deepens the connection to the ingredients utilized. Whether for a family gathering or an intimate dinner, the right pairing elevates your Beef Bourguignon to a culinary highlight.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Beef Bourguignon

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 bottle of dry red wine
2 cups beef broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
4 carrots, sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process for the best results.

Steps

Sear the Beef

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef pieces and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and carrots. Cook until softened. Stir in red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Combine Ingredients

Pour the sauce over the browned beef in the slow cooker. Add mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Serve

Remove bay leaves, and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with a crusty bread to soak up the sauce!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Beef Bourguignon, patience is key. Allowing your dish to cook slowly ensures that the flavors meld beautifully and that the beef becomes tender and juicy. If you are pressed for time, you can opt for a high-pressure cooker, but remember that slow cooking intensifies the flavors more effectively and results in a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Preparing your ingredients in advance will streamline your cooking process. Chop your vegetables and measure out your spices beforehand to make the cooking experience more enjoyable. Consider marinating the beef in red wine a few hours before cooking to enhance its flavor. A good marinade combined with searing the meat ensures depth in taste for a remarkable Beef Bourguignon.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best aspects of Beef Bourguignon is that it tastes even better the next day! After the dish has cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or for entertaining.

When it comes time to reheat, simply warm the Beef Bourguignon on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if necessary to loosen the sauce. This gentle reheating restores the dish to its original, mouthwatering consistency, ensuring you enjoy every bite as if it were freshly made.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use brisket or round cut, but chuck is preferred for its tenderness.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.