Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect comfort food, blending rich flavors from tender, slow-cooked beef, crispy bacon, and a deep red wine sauce. This French-inspired dish creates a beautifully thick stew with rustic vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—let your slow cooker do the work while the ingredients meld together into an incredibly flavorful, hearty dinner. Serve it over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread for the ultimate indulgence. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ pounds chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear them in the bacon grease until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the thyme and bay leaves. Add the potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, melt butter in a pan and sauté the mushrooms until browned. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the mixture to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Stir everything together, remove bay leaves, and garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: A Classic French Dish Made Easy
Beef Bourguignon is one of the most beloved classic French dishes, known for its rich, deep flavors and tender braised beef. Traditionally, this dish is slow-cooked in a Dutch oven, allowing the meat to become incredibly soft while absorbing the bold flavors of red wine, herbs, and aromatic vegetables. By adapting this recipe for a slow cooker, you achieve the same depth of flavor with significantly less effort.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who enjoys effortless gourmet meals, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon offers restaurant-quality taste without the hassle. It is a one-pot wonder, allowing you to prepare an elegant dish while letting your slow cooker do most of the work.
The History of Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon, originates from the Burgundy region of France. This dish was historically considered peasant food, as it was an excellent way to tenderize tough cuts of beef by braising them for hours in Burgundy red wine. Over time, it evolved into a classic of French haute cuisine, gaining worldwide fame, especially due to Julia Child, who introduced it to American home cooks through her famous book Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Today, this dish remains a symbol of hearty, comforting French cooking, perfect for cold-weather meals and special gatherings.
Why This Recipe is the Best
1. Effortless Gourmet Cooking
Traditional Beef Bourguignon requires hours of stovetop monitoring, stirring, and adjusting heat levels. By using a slow cooker, you eliminate the need for constant attention. Just sear the beef, add the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the rest. The long, slow cooking process ensures that the beef absorbs all the rich flavors, creating a tender, fall-apart texture.
2. Rich and Complex Flavors
The combination of red wine, bacon, garlic, and aromatic herbs infuses the beef with deep, complex flavors. Unlike regular stews, Beef Bourguignon has a silky, luxurious sauce, thickened naturally as the collagen from the meat breaks down. The addition of mushrooms and potatoes adds texture and heartiness, making it a complete meal in one pot.
3. Uses Affordable, Easy-to-Find Ingredients
Despite its fancy reputation, this dish is made from simple, budget-friendly ingredients:
- Chuck roast – an inexpensive cut that transforms into buttery, tender beef after slow cooking.
- Bacon – adds a layer of smoky richness to the dish.
- Red wine – enhances the depth of the sauce while tenderizing the meat.
- Vegetables and herbs – add layers of savory, aromatic flavor to complement the beef.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers
Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day! The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers a delicious, stress-free meal. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
5. Versatile Serving Options
This dish pairs beautifully with:
Mashed potatoes – The creamy texture soaks up the delicious sauce.
Egg noodles – A traditional side often served in French bistros.
Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich sauce.
Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
While Beef Bourguignon is known for being indulgent, it also offers nutritional benefits:
- High in protein – Each serving is packed with muscle-building protein from beef.
- Rich in collagen – Slow-cooked meats release collagen, which supports joint and skin health.
- Nutrient-dense vegetables – Carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Healthy fats – The combination of olive oil and natural fats from beef adds satiating, heart-healthy fats.
Cooking Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
The best cut for this dish is chuck roast, as it becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become dry.
2. Brown the Meat First
While it may be tempting to throw everything into the slow cooker at once, searing the beef first enhances the flavor. This step creates a caramelized crust, locking in juices and adding depth to the dish.
3. Use Quality Red Wine
Since wine is a key ingredient, choose a full-bodied red like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot. Avoid cooking wines, as they lack depth.
4. Don’t Skip the Thickening Step
To achieve the signature silky sauce, mix flour with butter and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This naturally thickens the broth into a velvety consistency.
FAQ About Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Q: Can I make this dish without wine?
A: Yes! You can substitute the wine with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
Q: What can I use instead of bacon?
A: Try pancetta for a similar smoky taste, or skip it entirely for a leaner dish.
Q: Can I cook it on high instead of low?
A: Yes, but low and slow (8 hours) yields the best results. Cooking on high for 4-5 hours works if you’re short on time, but the beef may not be as tender.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a stress-free weeknight meal or a showstopping dish for special occasions, this recipe delivers. With its deep, savory flavors, fall-apart beef, and rich wine-infused sauce, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Enjoy this timeless classic with your favorite side dish, and savor the warmth of a French-inspired feast—without spending hours in the kitchen!