Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a hearty, rustic French stew made easy with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s rich, savory, and full of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a deep wine-infused sauce that I love coming home to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful meal. The slow cooking brings out bold, developed flavors with almost no hands-on work. It’s perfect for cold nights, Sunday dinners, or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Beef chuck, cut into chunks
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Carrots
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Onion
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Garlic
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Mushrooms
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Tomato paste
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Beef broth
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Red wine (dry, like Cabernet or Pinot Noir)
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Bay leaf
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Thyme
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Flour
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Directions
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I season and sear the beef in a skillet until browned, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
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I sauté the onions, garlic, and tomato paste briefly, then add them to the cooker.
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I add carrots, mushrooms, herbs, wine, and broth.
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I cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
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I thicken the sauce at the end with a slurry of flour and broth if needed.
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I serve it hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.
Servings and timing
Serves 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours (low)
Total time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Variations
I’ve added pearl onions, or parsnips for extra depth. For a non-alcoholic version, I substitute wine with extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, I replace it with more beef broth and a splash of vinegar or grape juice.
Do I have to sear the beef?
It’s optional, but I do it for added flavor and better texture.
What cut of beef is best?
I use beef chuck for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.
Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes, I stir in a flour or cornstarch slurry at the end.
What can I serve with this?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread work beautifully.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a rich, elegant meal with minimal effort. I love the deep flavor and tender texture—it’s one of my favorite cold-weather comfort foods.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: French
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a rustic, French-inspired stew made easy with a slow cooker. Tender beef simmers in a rich red wine sauce with mushrooms, carrots, and herbs for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, halved
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups dry red wine (e.g., Cabernet, Pinot Noir)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook 1 more minute. Add to slow cooker.
- Add carrots, mushrooms, thyme, bay leaf, wine, and broth to the cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- To thicken, mix flour with a few tablespoons of hot broth to form a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook 10–15 minutes more.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Alcohol-free option: Replace wine with extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice.
- Optional veggies: Add pearl onions or parsnips for extra depth.
- Flavor boost: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of wine before adding to the cooker.
- Make ahead: Flavors deepen the next day—great for leftovers or freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
