Name: Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup red wine; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 pound mushrooms, quartered; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a warm bowl of beef bourguignon, especially when it’s prepared in a slow cooker. This Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe captures the essence of the classic French dish without requiring hours of hands-on cooking. The tender beef, rich red wine sauce, and earthy mushrooms create a savory symphony that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and make your cooking experience enjoyable and effortless!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours
Total Time: 7-8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 380
Protein: 36 grams
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Sodium: 850 mg

Why Make This Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a beloved dish celebrated for its layers of flavor and comforting warmth. By using a slow cooker, this recipe makes it easy for busy home cooks to achieve that gourmet experience with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and infused with the deep flavors of red wine, herbs, and vegetables. This dish is not just satisfying to eat, but also creates an inviting aroma in your kitchen that will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.

How to Make Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red wine
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 pound mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a bowl, toss the beef pieces with flour, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. This step helps to create a nice crust when you brown the beef and adds to the sauce’s thickness.

Step 2: Sautéing Bacon

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, releasing its delicious fat. This will serve as a flavor base for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Browning the Beef

Add the floured beef to the skillet and brown it on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the beef and gives it a beautiful color that makes the dish more appetizing.

Step 4: Transferring to Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef and crispy bacon into a slow cooker, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the skillet into the pot for added flavor.

Step 5: Sautéing Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onion and sliced carrots. Sauté until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step helps release the flavors of the vegetables and adds depth to your dish.

Step 6: Deglazing with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a rich flavor to the sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 7: Adding the Broth and Seasonings

Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaf, and quartered mushrooms. These ingredients collectively yield a hearty and flavorful stew that will warm your soul.

Step 8: Slow Cooking

Cover and cook the beef mixture on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and flavorful. This slow cooking process allows the meats to absorb the spices beautifully.

Step 9: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf before serving the dish. The bay leaf adds depth, but should be discarded as it is not edible.

Step 10: Garnishing and Serving

Garnish with chopped parsley to add a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy this dish with crusty French bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

How to Serve Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Serve this delectable beef bourguignon in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. To complete the meal, pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, a fresh green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, making it a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

How to Store Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can freeze this dish for longer storage; it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Use a good quality red wine, as it greatly impacts the flavor of the dish. A Cabernet Sauvignon or a Pinot Noir works well.
For a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
If you prefer a heartier stew, feel free to add potatoes or sweet potatoes to the slow cooker in the last 3 hours of cooking.
Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving, adding more salt or pepper as needed to bring out the best flavors.

Delicious Variations

For a lighter version, substitute chicken or turkey for the beef and use white wine instead of red.
Try adding root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a different flavor and texture.
Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the slow cooker.
What wine is best for beef bourguignon?
A dry red wine such as Burgundy, Bordeaux, or a good Cabernet Sauvignon works best with its rich flavors.
Can I use frozen beef?
While it’s best to thaw meat before cooking, using frozen beef can be acceptable if you adjust the cooking time, potentially extending it by an hour.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour to coat the beef and ensure the broth is also gluten-free.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart. This usually takes 7-8 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table with loved ones, enjoying hearty conversations and delicious food. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a comforting, flavorful dish that stands out for its rich tradition. So go ahead, put your slow cooker to the test—your kitchen will soon be filled with delightful aromas, and your taste buds will thank you!