If you’re craving a meal that surrounds you with warmth, rich flavors, and that unmistakable French charm, this Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a soulful stew where tender beef chuck absorbs every hint of red wine, fresh herbs, and earthy mushrooms, slowly melting into a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. Perfect for cozy weekends or special family dinners, this recipe brings together simple, quality ingredients and turns them into an unforgettable feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients makes all the difference, and each element in this recipe plays an essential role—from the hearty beef chuck that provides tender texture to the red wine which adds depth and character.
- 2½ lbs beef chuck (cut into 2-inch cubes): Choose well-marbled beef for the best tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a luscious, thickened sauce for the stew.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the beef to lock in flavors.
- 6 oz bacon (diced): Adds smoky richness and a lovely crunch in every bite.
- 1 large onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and body to the base of the stew.
- 2 carrots (sliced): Provide subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuse a warm, aromatic foundation.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Delivers concentrated tanginess and helps deepen the sauce’s color.
- 2 cups red wine (like Pinot Noir or Burgundy): Essential for classic flavor and tenderizing the meat beautifully.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds savory depth and balances the wine’s acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the umami richness of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 bay leaves: Impart a gentle aromatic bitterness that lifts the stew’s flavors.
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms (halved): Bring earthiness and texture that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing): Adds velvety richness and a beautiful shine to the final dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A bright, fresh contrast to the deep, savory stew.
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef
Begin by seasoning your beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then dust them evenly with flour. This coating not only helps thicken your stew later but also gives a beautiful crust when seared. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece gets that golden, caramelized exterior that locks in flavor. Transfer all browned meat to your slow cooker, setting the stage for a deeply flavored stew.
Step 2: Cook Bacon and Vegetables
In the same skillet, allow the diced bacon to cook until crispy and golden. This layer of smoky fat is pure magic for your dish. Once cooked, scoop the bacon into the slow cooker with the beef. Using the rendered bacon fat, sauté your chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to intensify its richness.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the skillet, scrapping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step not only captures flavor but also ensures your stew’s sauce will be robust and complex. Pour the wine mixture into the slow cooker, then add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and halved mushrooms. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Patience is key as the beef becomes meltingly tender, soaking up all those beautifully layered flavors. If you want a thicker stew, consider removing the lid in the last 30 minutes or stirring in a quick cornstarch slurry for a glossy, hearty consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves and stir in a tablespoon of butter for added richness and shine, if you like. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh bite to your Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly livens up the dish with its bright green contrast and subtle fresh flavor. If you want to impress, adding a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of sour cream on top is delightful for a creamy twist.
Side Dishes
This stew shines when paired with classic mashed potatoes or buttered noodles that soak up every drop of your luscious sauce. Crusty French bread also makes a wonderful companion by offering a perfect, crunchy texture to dip and savor each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the beef bourguignon in individual rustic bowls, topped with mushrooms and vibrant herbs, making each portion feel special. For a family-style presentation, a large, heavy ceramic dish straight from the oven brings a cozy, inviting charm to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe actually tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a winner. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your beef bourguignon slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or wine can help restore moisture and brightness in the sauce, keeping your meal just as delicious as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking because of its marbling and tenderness after prolonged cooking, you can use other cuts like brisket or short ribs. Just be mindful of cooking times and texture differences.
What type of wine should I use?
Choosing a good quality red wine like Pinot Noir or Burgundy enhances the flavor of your Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe. Avoid cooking wines and opt for one you’d happily sip alongside your meal.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing the beef adds incredible depth and develops rich flavor through caramelization. It’s a step worth the effort to elevate the dish beyond an ordinary stew.
Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cook your bourguignon in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let liquid evaporate or whisk a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew, simmering until thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure comfort. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a dinner to impress, this recipe’s rich flavors and tender meat will always deliver satisfaction. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
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Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Description
A classic French slow-cooked beef stew featuring tender beef chuck cubes simmered in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for any cozy meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2½ lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Bacon and Vegetables
- 6 oz bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (like Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Mushrooms and Finishing
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, halved
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Coat Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then toss them with the flour until evenly coated to help thicken the stew later.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, browning all sides thoroughly to lock in flavor. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
- Cook Bacon: Using the same skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and add it to the slow cooker along with the beef.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the bacon fat remaining in the skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
- Deglaze and Combine: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: To the slow cooker, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and mushrooms. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the stew. Stir in a tablespoon of butter for a glossy, rich finish if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry just before serving.
- You can prep all ingredients the night before and start the slow cooker the next morning to save time.
- Pair with buttery mashed potatoes or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
