Introduction
If you’re looking for a rich, cozy, and mouth-watering meal, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a must-try! This dish sounds fancy because it’s a classic French recipe, but don’t worry—it’s actually super easy to make, especially in a slow cooker. Beef Bourguignon (pronounced “boor-ghee-nyon”) is a stew made with beef, red wine, and vegetables.
The slow cooking makes the beef really soft and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels perfect on a chilly day, or when you want to impress your family with something tasty and hearty. The best part? You don’t need to be a chef to make it. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do all the work. You’ll come back to a delicious, home-cooked meal that smells amazing and tastes even better.
Ingredients – Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Here’s what you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups red wine (or use more beef broth if you prefer no wine)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Process – Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Let’s break it down into easy steps so anyone—even an 8th grader—can follow along!
Step 1: Brown the Bacon
In a pan on the stove, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. This helps add flavor. Once done, move the bacon to a plate and keep the fat in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In the same pan, add the beef cubes. Brown them on all sides. This step locks in the juices and gives the beef a nice color. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add a bit of olive oil if needed, then cook the onions, garlic, and tomato paste in the same pan for about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir—it helps make the sauce thick later on.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Pour the onion mix into the slow cooker. Add in the carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, cooked bacon, and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf).
Step 5: Add the Liquids
Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir so it mixes well.
Step 6: Slow Cook It
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the bay leaf. Spoon the stew into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. It goes great with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Vitamin A | 6000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, absolutely! Just replace the wine with extra beef broth or even grape juice for a sweeter flavor.
Q2: What kind of beef is best?
Beef chuck is the best choice because it becomes tender when slow-cooked. You can also use stew meat or brisket.
Q3: Do I need to cook the bacon and beef first?
Technically, you can skip browning, but doing this step adds so much flavor. It’s worth the extra 10 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Let the stew cool, then put it in a sealed container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
Q5: What should I serve with Beef Bourguignon?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice go really well with it. You can also enjoy it on its own as a full meal.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect mix of comfort food and classic cooking. While it might sound like a dish from a fancy restaurant, it’s super easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s rich in flavor and sure to impress anyone at your table.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner, or just want something warm and filling, this dish has got you covered. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did! Happy cooking!
