This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a cozy dish perfect for a chilly day. With tender beef, carrots, and rich red wine, it’s truly comforting and packed with flavor!
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Plus, the smell while it cooks? Pure bliss! 😍
After a long day, I enjoy serving it over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread—it makes every bite special and fills the kitchen with warmth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender over time. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could try sirloin or brisket, though they might not be as flavorful. My go-to is always beef chuck for that rich taste!
Bacon: Bacon adds a delicious smokiness. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works well, or you can leave it out altogether and use a little olive oil for flavor.
Red Wine: Burgundy is traditional, but any dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works nicely. Not a fan of wine? Swap it with extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version!
Mushrooms: The quartered mushrooms add earthiness. If fresh mushrooms aren’t available, dried mushrooms can be used—just soak them in warm water first. I prefer cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor!
How Do I Get the Beef Browned Perfectly?
Browning the beef is a crucial step to build flavor. Not only does it add a lovely color but also enhances the dish’s overall taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the beef; a good sizzle means you’re ready!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the beef in batches to ensure they brown instead of steam. Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Keep all the flavorful brown bits in the skillet for the next step.
Taking the time to sear the beef will elevate your Beef Bourguignon to another level. Trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-2 inch chunks
- 3 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, quartered
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or any dry red wine)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in your slow cooker. This means you can set it up in the morning and have a warm, hearty dinner ready by evening! Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by dicing the bacon and placing it in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to your slow cooker, leaving all that flavorful fat in the skillet.
2. Sear the Beef:
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add the beef chunks in batches. Sear them until they are nicely browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once browned, carefully transfer the beef to the slow cooker with the bacon.
3. Add Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add some goodness! Toss the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and quartered mushrooms into the slow cooker with the beef and bacon. Give it a little stir to mix things up!
4. Make the Sauce:
In the slow cooker, pour in the red wine and beef broth. Then add the tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all these delicious ingredients.
5. Cook It Low and Slow:
Cover your slow cooker and set it. You can choose to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Either way, just let it be until the beef is lovely and tender, and all those flavors have mingled together perfectly.
6. Final Touches:
Once your beef bourguignon is ready, carefully remove the bay leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if you think it needs a little something extra. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright finish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious beef bourguignon hot, along with some crusty bread. This is perfect for dipping into the rich, savory sauce. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you could also use cuts like brisket or round. Just be sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking times if necessary, as leaner cuts may cook faster.
Can I Substitute the Red Wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or a combination of broth and a splash of red wine vinegar for acidity. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months! To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. You can add peas, parsnips, or even bell peppers. Just adjust the quantity and cooking time accordingly, ensuring all veggies are tender before serving.
