Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon – A Cozy Classic Made Easy!
This dish is a warm, comforting masterpiece that transports you straight into a French bistro, filling your kitchen with the rich aromas of slow-cooked beef, crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and a deep, flavorful red wine sauce. Beef Bourguignon may sound intimidating, but with a slow cooker, it’s never been easier to prepare! With just a few simple steps and a little patience, you’ll have a dish that feels like it came from your grandmother’s kitchen, and tastes even better the next day.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just want a heartwarming meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe is the answer. And the best part? You can set it and forget it, leaving you free to enjoy the simple joys of life while your slow cooker does all the work for you.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 2½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes (Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful.)
- Salt & pepper to taste (Be sure to season your beef generously to enhance the flavor.)
For the Bacon & Vegetables:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (The crispy bacon adds that irresistible smoky richness to the sauce.)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped (Onions add a savory sweetness that melds perfectly with the beef.)
- 2 carrots, sliced (Carrots bring both sweetness and color to the dish.)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (Garlic is a must for a depth of flavor in any dish!)
For the Sauce:
- 2½ cups red wine (Pinot Noir or Burgundy is recommended for an authentic taste, but any good dry red wine works well.)
- 1 cup beef broth (For that rich, meaty base.)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (Tomato paste thickens the sauce and gives it a bit of tangy sweetness.)
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh – thyme pairs beautifully with beef, enhancing its savory depth.)
- 1 bay leaf (Adds a subtle aromatic flavor that takes the sauce to the next level.)
- 8 oz mushrooms, halved (Mushrooms absorb the sauce and add an earthy taste that complements the beef perfectly.)
For Thicker Sauce (Optional):
- 2 tbsp flour (This helps thicken the sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step.)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.)
Directions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Allow the bacon to get crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Be sure to leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet, as you’ll use it to sear the beef, which adds another layer of flavor.
2. Sear the Beef:
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned beef to the skillet with the bacon fat and sear it on all sides until the beef is nicely browned. This step creates that beautiful caramelization that adds incredible depth to the final dish.
- Once seared, transfer the beef to your slow cooker, setting it aside to build the layers of flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and become aromatic. This step will infuse the pan with all the savory flavors, which will meld beautifully with the beef.
- Once softened, transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with the beef.
4. Build the Sauce:
- Pour the red wine into the slow cooker, followed by the beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and the bay leaf to infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Toss the crispy bacon into the slow cooker as well. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, ensuring the beef and vegetables are fully immersed in the rich sauce.
5. Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender and soak up all the delicious flavors from the wine and broth, while the vegetables will soften to perfection.
- Keep an eye on it during the cooking process to make sure the flavors are developing and that the beef is cooking to a fork-tender texture.
6. Add the Mushrooms:
- About 1 hour before the cooking time is up, add the halved mushrooms to the slow cooker. Mushrooms will absorb the sauce and give the dish a savory depth that’s simply irresistible.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a quick slurry by mixing 2 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. This will give the sauce a luscious, velvety texture.
8. Garnish & Serve:
- Once the cooking time is done and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with mashed potatoes, buttery crusty bread, or even a scoop of creamy polenta to soak up all that rich sauce. The flavors are so hearty and delicious that you’ll want to make sure every bite is enjoyed.
Tip:
- Leftovers taste even better the next day! The sauce has more time to develop, and the flavors intensify, making this dish ideal for meal prep or enjoying as a comforting leftover treat.
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the epitome of cozy comfort food. It’s a one-pot meal that combines tender beef, savory vegetables, crispy bacon, and a rich red wine sauce that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re treating yourself or hosting a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The beauty of the slow cooker method is that you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while it does all the work.
Enjoy a little old-fashioned love in a bowl. Don’t forget to savor every bite—and share the recipe with your loved ones for a meal they’ll never forget!Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta