With its rich flavors and tender beef, beef bourguignon slow cooker is like a warm hug on a chilly day. This classic French dish comes alive in your slow cooker, creating a cozy meal that fills your home with delicious aromas.
Solves long braising times, tough weeknight menu planning, uneven flavors, and limited hands-on cooking by delivering tender beef, rich sauce, and simple steps.
Sometimes, it can feel tricky to cook beef just right. It can easily turn tough or chewy if you’re not careful. But with this recipe, slow cooking works wonders. The meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers all day long.
This recipe is easy, with just 20 minutes of prep time. You toss everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and return to a hearty, delicious meal. Plus, the red wine in the sauce adds a rich depth of flavor that makes this dish feel special.
If you love cooking with flavors like these, you might enjoy making this Greek Chicken in Red Sauce too! It’s another warm and inviting recipe.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth Tenderness : The slow cooking process really works its magic here, turning tough beef into tender, savory bites that practically melt away in your mouth.
- Rich, Hearty Flavor : With red wine and a blend of herbs, this dish packs a punch of flavor that’s warm and welcoming, perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Convenience of Slow Cooking : Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Just set it and let those flavors meld over the hours.
- Easy Storage Solutions : You can refrigerate leftovers for a few days or freeze portions for later. This makes it a great option for meal prep or late-night cravings.
Tender Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: diabetic
Description
Classic Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe that’s hearty and flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 5 slices diced bacon, thick cut
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck pieces cut to 1 inch cubes, well-marbled
- 1 cup red cooking wine, high quality
- 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium recommended
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce, can substitute with pureed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, tamari for gluten-free
- 1/4 cup flour, or cornstarch for thickening if gluten-free
- 3 cloves minced garlic, fresh preferred
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme, or 21/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 5 medium sliced carrots, evenly cut
- 1 pound baby potatoes, uniform size, unpeeled
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Start by searing the beef in a hot pan until it has a nice brown crust all over. This step is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy. When it becomes aromatic and golden, it is ready to be pulled out. This will impart a smoky flavor into the dish. Take care not to burn it, as it will crisp further in the slow cooker.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Layer the seared beef, crispy bacon, and sliced vegetables in the slow cooker. Ensure each layer is vibrant and avoid overflow to allow even cooking.
- Add Wine and Broth: Pour red wine and chicken broth into the slow cooker, fully covering the ingredients. This combination enhances the dish’s flavor profile significantly. Monitor the ratio to prevent a watery stew.
- Set & Wait: Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 9 hours. Enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers. Do not frequently check, as that could disrupt the cooking process.
- Thicken the Sauce: Before serving, check the sauce’s consistency. If it is thinner than desired, mix in additional flour or cornstarch with a bit of water. This will help achieve a rich sauce consistency.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. It can also be frozen in bags for up to 3 months.
- Expert Tips: Sear the beef properly for optimal tenderness. Monitor bacon carefully to prevent burning, recalling it will continue to cook in the slow cooker. For enhanced richness, use high-quality red wine and fresh herbs.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, adjusting time based on the portion size.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal, alongside a fresh green salad, or with toasted bread to soak up the sauce.
- Recipe Variations: Incorporate pearl onions for added sweetness and texture. You can mix in different root vegetables like parsnips or use a variety of mushrooms for additional flavor.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose well-marbled beef chuck for the best result. Fresh garlic enhances flavor best, though pre-minced can be a time-saver. Fresh thyme is optimal, but if using dried, lessen the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 181
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1062mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: It gives a smoky kick to the dish. Go for a nice, thick cut to get that hearty flavor. Just don’t overcook it before tossing it in!
- Beef chuck: This is the star! Look for well-marbled cuts. The fat breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker, resulting in tender bites.
- Red cooking wine: It really boosts the richness. Grab a good bottle you’d drink; avoid the cooking wine from the grocery store. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Chicken broth: This adds depth to the sauce. Use low-sodium if you want to control the salt levels. Homemade is great if you have some on hand!
- Tomato sauce: It adds a nice tanginess to balance the flavors. If you’re out, pureed tomatoes can work as a good substitute!
- Soy sauce: It introduces a savory note. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative if that’s a concern for you.
- Flour: This helps the sauce thicken up nicely. If you’re gluten-free, a cornstarch slurry works just as well for a thicker consistency.
- Garlic: You can’t go wrong with garlic! Fresh is best, but pre-minced can save you time if you’re in a pinch.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme is aromatic and works wonders here, but dried is fine if that’s all you have. Just use a bit less of it!
- Carrots: They add sweetness and color! Cut them evenly for consistent cooking; any variety works, but I love using sweet baby carrots.
- Baby potatoes: These are great for soaking up the flavors. They cook evenly and don’t need peeling! Yukon golds are my go-to for this dish.
- Mushrooms: They provide earthiness and a meaty texture. I recommend slicing them for better cook time and to absorb the sauce flavors!
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top at the end adds a bright touch. You can use chives if that’s what you’ve got lying around.
Recipe Tips
- If you find the beef tough after cooking, sear it properly before slow cooking and make sure to cook it for the full time.
- When the sauce seems too thin, just add a bit more flour or cornstarch. Start with a tablespoon and adjust as needed.
- If the stew lacks flavor, consider using a high-quality red wine and fresh herbs; these can greatly improve the overall taste.
- For better texture, slice mushrooms instead of keeping them whole. This helps them blend more nicely with the other ingredients.
- If bacon overcooks quickly, remember it will continue to cook in the slow cooker, so give it a gentle browning without going too far.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Pair with a green salad for added freshness.
This dish can shine in variations like beef bourguignon shepherd’s pie or beef bourguignon pasta. Use the beef bourguignon as a filling for savory crepes or puff pastry.
Consider serving this beef bourguignon with a drizzle of fresh parsley oil for an extra layer of flavor. A dollop of mustard can also complement the dish nicely.
Recipe variations
- You can use pork in place of beef for a lighter option while still maintaining the hearty essence of the dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon of paprika for a hint of smokiness or ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a dash of heat.
- Either pearl onions or shallots can work well for a touch of sweetness. Both provide a unique flavor that complements the dish.
- If you want to serve more people, scale up the ingredients and use 4 pounds of beef, 1 ½ cups of red cooking wine, and 3 cups of chicken broth.
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How to Store?
To keep your beef bourguignon slow cooker fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered to prevent moisture loss.
Freezing: Package in a freezer bag, ensuring excess air is removed. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally for even heating.
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