If you’re dreaming of a dish that wraps you in comfort and delivers layers of rich, hearty flavor, then this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection in a deep, savory sauce infused with red wine, mushrooms, carrots, and crispy bacon create a meal that feels luxurious yet perfectly cozy. Whether it’s a special family dinner or a relaxed weekend indulgence, this recipe is the ultimate way to bring classic French country cooking straight to your kitchen with effortless ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a key role in building the complex, inviting taste and texture of your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe. From the smoky bacon to the richness of red wine, every element brings a unique character to the final dish.
- Bacon (8 slices): Adds a smoky, crispy element that deepens the dish’s flavor base.
- Boneless beef chuck roast (2 lb): The ideal cut for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Helps create a beautiful sear on the meat and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Essential for enhancing all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds just enough warmth and subtle spice.
- Sliced fresh mushrooms (8 oz): Bring an earthy depth and meaty texture to the stew.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor, balancing richness.
- Pearl onions (1 cup): Offer a subtle sweetness and delicate texture that complements the beef.
- Sliced carrots (2 cups): Add color and a natural, gentle sweetness.
- Dried thyme (½ tsp): Imparts an herbaceous, savory note that ties everything together.
- Red wine (1 cup): The heart of this dish, delivering acidity and depth.
- Tomato paste (2 Tbsp): Enhances umami and adds richness to the sauce.
- Beef broth (â…“ cup): Keeps the meat moist and enriches the gravy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by crisping the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they turn beautifully golden and crunchy. As the bacon cooks, it releases flavorful fat that will become the base for browning your beef, so be sure to reserve the drippings in the pan. Once crisp, drain the bacon on paper towels and chop it into bite-sized pieces to add a savory crunch later on.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Beef
Take your beef chuck roast and cut it into 1-inch cubes, then toss them with flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. This step is key to developing a rich crust and a thicker sauce. Heat the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, then add the beef chunks, searing them until each piece gets a lovely brown crust. This initial sear locks in juices and builds a deep flavor base that you’ll love.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
To the same skillet with the beef, add the sliced mushrooms, pearl onions, and minced garlic. Let them cook together for about two minutes to soften the vegetables slightly and marry their flavors with the meat. The aroma at this stage is absolutely intoxicating and signals the beginning of something delicious simmering to come.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared beef and sautéed veggies into your slow cooker. Add in the carrots, dried thyme, red wine, tomato paste, and beef broth. This mixture will transform over the next several hours into a luscious stew full of deep, layered flavors. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients and distribute the tomato paste evenly.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it on HIGH heat. Let the magic happen for 6 to 8 hours while the beef becomes fork-tender, and the rich sauce thickens and intensifies in flavor. This slow cooking process is what makes the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe truly special — no rush, just time bringing all the components into harmony.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the cooking time is up, stir in the chopped crispy bacon for that last burst of smoky, crunchy texture. Give the stew a taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and black pepper if needed. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving — it adds a lovely pop of green and a hint of brightness to your hearty dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish shines on its own, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley brings a touch of color and freshness that complements the rich sauce perfectly. For an elegant twist, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few sprigs of thyme can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Traditional pairings like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are ideal to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. Crusty French bread also works wonders, inviting everyone to dip and savor the sauce until the last drop. For a vegetable accompaniment, simple steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a crisp contrast that balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply spice up your weeknight routine, serve this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe over buttered egg noodles or even a bed of fluffy wild rice. For smaller plates, use individual ramekins or charming Dutch ovens for a rustic, restaurant-style experience right at home. No matter how you present it, this dish has a way of making every meal feel like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef bourguignon keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it possibly even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for quick future meals. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure an even reheating process and to preserve the beef’s tenderness.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep the sauce smooth and the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, brisket or short ribs can work, just ensure they have enough fat content to stay juicy during the long cook time.
Do I have to use red wine?
Red wine adds authentic depth and richness, but if you’d prefer to skip alcohol, use extra beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to mimic the acidity and complexity.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just add the wine and broth right before cooking, then cook as directed the next day.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
After cooking, you can remove the beef and veggies, then simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces to your preferred consistency. Alternatively, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and heat until thickened.
What wine pairs well when serving this dish?
A nice Pinot Noir or Burgundy complements the flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a medium-bodied grape juice or herbal tea with berry notes can pair surprisingly well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about sinking your fork into tender beef bathed in a luxurious, wine-infused sauce made effortless by the slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe blends deep, comforting flavors with simple preparation that anyone can master. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try — your next family dinner or cozy evening might just have found its new signature dish.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe transforms tender beef chuck roast and rich bacon into a savory, comforting classic French stew. Slow-cooked with mushrooms, pearl onions, carrots, and red wine, it delivers deep, hearty flavors perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Bacon
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 lb boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Seasonings and Coatings
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Vegetables
- 8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 cup pearl onions
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Liquids and Other Ingredients
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- â…“ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until they become crispy. Remove them and drain on paper towels. Chop the bacon and refrigerate it for later use. Keep the bacon drippings in the skillet for searing the beef.
- Prepare and sear the beef: Cut the chuck roast into 1-inch pieces and toss them in a mixture of all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper to coat evenly. Add the beef pieces to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings and sear over medium-high heat until the pieces start to brown, enhancing flavor.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms, pearl onions, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook and stir for about two minutes to soften the vegetables and combine flavors before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Combine in slow cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker. Add sliced carrots, dried thyme, red wine, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on HIGH heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef becomes fork-tender and the flavors meld together.
- Final touches: Once cooked, stir in the chopped cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy.
- If pearl onions are not available, small shallots or chopped white onions can be substituted.
- Make sure to sear the beef pieces well to develop a rich, deep flavor base.
- Brown the bacon slowly to render out fat and achieve crispiness without burning.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead as the flavor improves after resting overnight.
- Serve over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
