Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe – Comforting, Flavorful, & Foolproof!

Table of Contents: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Imagine coming home to the rich, savory aroma of tender beef slow-cooked in red wine, mushrooms, and herbs—your kitchen smelling like a French bistro with minimal effort. This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon delivers all the depth of the classic dish without the fuss, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests.

---

Introduction: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Few dishes evoke warmth and comfort like Beef Bourguignon, the iconic French stew brimming with melt-in-your-mouth beef, pearl onions, mushrooms, and a velvety red wine sauce. Traditionally simmered for hours on the stovetop, this slow cooker version simplifies the process while delivering the same luxurious flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, prepping a hearty Sunday supper, or craving easy comfort food for family dinners, this crock pot French beef stew is a foolproof winner. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, breaking down the beef into fork-tender perfection while infusing it with the deep flavors of Merlot, thyme, and garlic.

Forget complicated techniques—this simple beef bourguignon leans on pantry staples and affordable cuts like chuck roast, making it accessible yet elegant. Serve it over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the rich sauce.

---

Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names, including:
– Crock Pot French Beef Stew
– Slow Cooked Beef in Red Wine
– Burgundy Beef Stew

Variations might include adding root vegetables like parsnips or swapping cremini mushrooms for wild varieties. For a lighter twist, try using a dry white wine (though red is traditional).

---

Ingredients: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

• – 6 ounces bacon, roughly chopped
• – 4–5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 3–4-inch chunks
• – 1 large carrot, sliced ½-inch thick
• – 1 large white onion, diced
• – 6 cloves garlic, minced (divided: 4 for stew, 2 for mushrooms)
• – 1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more to taste
• – ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• – 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• – 6 ounces pearl onions, peeled
• – 2 cups red wine (Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti)
• – 1 cup beef stock
• – 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• – 1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
• – 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• – 2 bay leaves
• – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (divided)
• – 1 pound mushrooms, quartered (white or cremini)
• – 2 tablespoons butter

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to the slow cooker, leaving the fat in the pan.

2. Sear the Beef: Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—proper browning builds flavor!

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the diced onion and carrot for 3–4 minutes. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Deglaze the pan with ½ cup of red wine, scraping up browned bits. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.

4. Assemble the Stew: Add the remaining red wine, beef stock, crushed bouillon, thyme, bay leaves, and half the parsley to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

5. Thicken the Sauce: Toss the beef chunks with cornstarch before adding to the slow cooker (this ensures a silky sauce).

6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.

7. Sauté Mushrooms: About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter in a skillet. Add mushrooms and remaining garlic, sautéing until golden (5–7 minutes). Stir in pearl onions and cook for another 2 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.

8. Finish and Serve: Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley.

---

Recipe Card Block: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high) | Total Time: 7.5–8.5 hours | Servings: 6–8 | Calories: ~520 per serving

---

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking—its marbling melts into the stew, keeping it juicy.
– Red wine adds acidity and depth; if avoiding alcohol, use extra beef stock + 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.
– Cornstarch thickens the sauce without flour’s risk of clumping.
– Searing the beef locks in juices and creates a fond (browned bits) for richer flavor.

---

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
– Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

---

People Also Ask: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

What is the best cut of beef for beef bourguignon?

Chuck roast is the top choice for beef bourguignon because it’s well-marbled and becomes fork-tender during slow cooking. Other options include brisket or short ribs, but avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can dry out.

Do I have to use red wine in beef bourguignon?

While red wine is traditional (it gives the stew its signature depth), you can substitute with extra beef stock mixed with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for a similar tangy richness.

What can I serve with beef bourguignon?

Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty bread. For a lighter side, try roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad.

Can I make beef bourguignon with ground beef?

Ground beef won’t replicate the texture of slow-cooked chunks, but you can make a quicker “bourguignon-inspired” skillet dish by browning ground beef with mushrooms, onions, and a splash of wine.

---

Conclusion: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

This slow cooker beef bourguignon proves that gourmet comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Try it this weekend, and don’t forget to share your results with us!

---

You Might Also Like:

– Hearty Garlic And Onion Soup – A Comforting Classic
– Best Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe 🍲✨ (EASY & Flavorful!)
– Classic Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup | Rich, Comforting, and Irresistible
– Easy Mediterranean Salmon Salad Recipe – Healthy & Flavorful!

Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.

Print