Description
Classic Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe that’s hearty and flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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