Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a comforting, hearty French classic made simple with the convenience of a slow cooker. Traditionally a labor-intensive dish, Beef Bourguignon features tender beef braised in red wine with mushrooms, carrots, onions, and aromatic herbs. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly and deeply, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef and a rich, velvety sauce without constant supervision.

I love this recipe because it transforms humble ingredients into an elegant, soul-warming meal. The long, slow cooking process brings out incredible depth of flavor, making it perfect for cozy family dinners, weekend meals, or special occasions when you want something impressive yet comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender while the wine-based sauce develops richness and complexity. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone eagerly to the table.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Beef Bourguignon is rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, yet surprisingly easy to make in a slow cooker. It’s ideal for entertaining, meal prep, or simply enjoying a luxurious homemade dinner with minimal stress.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total Time: About 8 hours
Servings: 4–6
Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

• 2½ lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 cups mushrooms, halved
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

The beef is browned with bacon for added depth, then slow-cooked with red wine, vegetables, and herbs until tender. The result is a rich, flavorful stew with a silky sauce and perfectly cooked beef.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown them in batches in the bacon drippings and olive oil until well-seared on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add tomato paste and flour, stirring for 1 minute.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble in Slow Cooker
Add the wine mixture to the slow cooker along with beef broth, carrots, mushrooms, bacon, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir gently.

Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or creamy polenta. It also pairs beautifully with crusty French bread to soak up the rich sauce. A simple green salad on the side balances the meal perfectly.

Recipe Tips

• Choose well-marbled beef chuck for best tenderness
• Use a good-quality dry red wine for deeper flavor
• Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds richness
• Cook low and slow for the most tender results
• Let the stew rest for 10–15 minutes before serving for thicker sauce

Variations

Classic Stove-Top Version
Prepare the recipe in a Dutch oven and simmer gently for 2½–3 hours.

Extra Vegetable Bourguignon
Add pearl onions, parsnips, or celery for more texture.

Gluten-Free Version
Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.

Herb-Forward Bourguignon
Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for enhanced aroma.

Lighter Version
Use turkey bacon and reduce oil for a lighter stew.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tip:
Flavor improves after a day, making this dish ideal for make-ahead meals.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a timeless, comforting dish that brings classic French cuisine into the modern kitchen with ease. Rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, it’s perfect for cozy nights, special dinners, or meal prep. With tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a luxurious sauce, this recipe is a true must-try for anyone who loves comforting, slow-cooked meals with elegant flair.