Easy Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Recipe
This easy beef bourguignon slow cooker recipe brings the rich flavors of French cuisine to your kitchen with very little effort. Traditionally made by slowly braising beef in red wine with vegetables and herbs, this version uses the slow cooker to make the process simple and convenient.
The beef becomes tender, the sauce turns velvety, and every bite is full of flavor from bacon, red wine, garlic, and herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread for a complete dish that feels both rustic and gourmet.
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups dry red wine (Pinot Noir or Burgundy recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, halved
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for searing
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl (for butter-flour mixture)
How to Make Easy Beef Bourguignon in the Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Vegetables
In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and add to the slow cooker.
Add onions and carrots to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, then deglaze the pan with ½ cup red wine. Scrape up the browned bits and pour everything into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the remaining red wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the beef is tender. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the mushrooms.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix softened butter and flour into a paste (called a beurre manie). Stir this into the stew and let it cook for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Best Wine for Beef Bourguignon
Red wine is a key ingredient in this dish. Pinot Noir is the traditional choice, but Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a Cotes du Rhône also work beautifully. Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking—it doesn’t need to be expensive, but quality makes a difference.
What to Serve With Beef Bourguignon
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty French bread
- Steamed rice or polenta
Add a simple green salad on the side for freshness, and serve with a glass of the same wine you used in cooking.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Always sear the beef first for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip deglazing the pan—those browned bits add richness.
- Add the mushrooms toward the end to keep them tender but not mushy.
- Make it a day ahead for even deeper flavor—the stew tastes better the next day!
Conclusion
This easy beef bourguignon slow cooker recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. With tender beef, a rich red wine sauce, and classic French flavors, it’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make.
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this slow cooker version makes enjoying a timeless French classic effortless. Serve it with your favorite side, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy a cozy meal that feels straight out of the French countryside.
