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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort, elegance, and romance quite like Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. This classic French-inspired stew is known for its deep, rich flavors, tender chunks of beef, and luxurious red wine sauce that feels both rustic and refined. Traditionally, Beef Bourguignon (also called Boeuf Bourguignon) is a labor-of-love dish, simmered gently on the stovetop for hours. But with this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, you get all the soul-warming flavor with a fraction of the effort.

This recipe is especially perfect for cozy evenings, dinner parties, and romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day. There’s something undeniably special about a meal that slowly cooks all day, filling your home with irresistible aromas while you focus on spending time with loved ones. By the time dinner rolls around, you’re rewarded with fork-tender beef, velvety sauce, and vegetables infused with wine, herbs, and savory goodness.

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What makes Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon so appealing is its balance. It feels indulgent but not fussy, impressive yet approachable. The slow cooker transforms humble ingredients—beef chuck, carrots, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and red wine—into a dish that tastes like it came straight from a French bistro. It’s the kind of recipe that encourages lingering at the table, savoring every bite with crusty bread and a glass of wine.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon at home. From ingredient choices and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, variations, serving ideas, storage advice, and more, this post is designed to help you master this timeless dish with confidence.

Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply craving a hearty, comforting meal, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

What Is Beef Bourguignon?

Beef Bourguignon is a traditional French stew that originated in the Burgundy region of France, an area famous for both its cattle and its red wine. The dish was originally considered peasant food—tough cuts of beef slowly braised in wine to make them tender and flavorful. Over time, it evolved into a celebrated classic of French cuisine.

Classic Beef Bourguignon typically includes:

  • Beef (usually chuck or similar cut)

  • Red wine (traditionally Burgundy)

  • Onions

  • Carrots

  • Mushrooms

  • Garlic

  • Herbs like thyme and bay leaf

The defining characteristic of the dish is the long, slow cooking process, which allows the wine to mellow, the beef to become meltingly tender, and the flavors to meld into a rich, complex sauce.

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon honors those traditions while adapting them for modern home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but here are a few standout highlights:

1. Incredible Flavor with Minimal Effort

The slow cooker does most of the work. Once everything is assembled, you can walk away and let time do its magic.

2. Perfectly Tender Beef

Using beef chuck and cooking it low and slow ensures meat that’s juicy, tender, and practically falling apart.

3. Elegant Yet Comforting

This dish feels fancy enough for special occasions but comforting enough for a cozy night at home.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prep.

5. Versatile Serving Options

Serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or with crusty bread—this stew pairs beautifully with many sides.

Recipe Details

  • Course: Dinner

  • Cuisine: French-Inspired

  • Method: Slow Cooker

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)

  • Total Time: ~8 hours 20 minutes

  • Servings: 4

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Here’s a closer look at each ingredient and why it matters:

Beef Chuck

Beef chuck is ideal for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon because it has enough fat and connective tissue to break down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Olive Oil

Used for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, olive oil adds richness and depth.

Onion and Garlic

These aromatics build the foundation of flavor for the stew.

Carrots

Carrots add natural sweetness and balance the richness of the wine and beef.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms contribute earthiness and soak up the sauce beautifully.

Tomato Paste

A small amount adds depth, richness, and subtle acidity.

Red Wine

Wine is the heart of Beef Bourguignon. Burgundy or Pinot Noir are traditional, but any dry red wine you enjoy drinking will work well.

Beef Broth

Enhances the savory flavor and creates a luscious sauce.

Herbs

Dried thyme and bay leaf provide classic French flavor notes.

Salt and Black Pepper

Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

Fresh Parsley

Adds freshness and color just before serving.

Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, then transfer it to the slow cooker.

Why this step matters: Browning the beef creates a deep, savory flavor that carries through the entire dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build the Stew

Add carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on:

  • Low: 8 hours

  • High: 4 hours

The beef should be fork-tender and the sauce rich and aromatic.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Best Results

Use the Right Cut of Beef

Stick with beef chuck or another well-marbled cut designed for slow cooking.

Don’t Skip Browning

This extra step adds layers of flavor you can’t achieve otherwise.

Choose a Wine You’d Drink

Since the wine flavor concentrates during cooking, quality matters.

Thicker Sauce Option

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Season at the End

Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes

  • Buttered egg noodles

  • Steamed rice

  • Crusty French bread or baguette

  • Polenta

  • A simple green salad with vinaigrette

For a romantic dinner, serve with candlelight, warm bread, and a glass of red wine.

Variations and Customizations

Bacon-Enhanced Beef Bourguignon

Add cooked bacon pieces for extra smokiness and richness.

Alcohol-Free Version

Replace wine with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Extra Vegetables

Add pearl onions, parsnips, or celery for more texture and flavor.

Herb Variations

Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used instead of dried thyme.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Print

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a cozy, romantic meal to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect dish to set the mood. Rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, this classic French-inspired stew features tender beef simmered slowly in red wine with vegetables and herbs. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work, giving you more time to relax and enjoy a special evening with your loved one.

  • Author: salah saloh

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups carrots, sliced

  • 2 cups mushrooms, quartered

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir recommended)

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches if needed. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

  • In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.

  • Add the carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

  • Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use beef chuck: It becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.

  • Don’t skip browning the beef: This adds rich depth of flavor to the stew.

  • Choose a wine you’d drink: The flavor concentrates as it cooks.

  • Thicker sauce option: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes if desired.

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Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 520

  • Protein: 42 g

  • Carbohydrates: 18 g

  • Fat: 28 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sodium: 620 mg

Common Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes, but chuck is highly recommended. Brisket or stewing beef also work.

Does the Alcohol Cook Off?

Most of the alcohol cooks off during the long cooking process, leaving behind rich flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the comforting magic of home-cooked food. With its tender beef, deeply flavored wine sauce, and hearty vegetables, this recipe delivers classic French-inspired elegance with modern convenience.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It’s perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, a cozy Sunday meal, or a stress-free dinner party where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. The slow cooker allows you to focus on what matters most—connecting with the people around your table—while it quietly works in the background.