Crockpot Beef Bourguignon has always been my go-to for a truly comforting and elegant meal, without all the fuss. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was intimidated by the traditional stovetop method, but then I discovered the magic of a slow cooker. Now, this slow cooker beef bourguignon is a regular in my rotation, filling my kitchen with the most incredible aromas of red wine, savory beef, and earthy mushrooms. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests but is so wonderfully simple to prepare on a busy weeknight. Let’s get this hearty French stew started!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons:
- Effortless Elegance: It delivers classic French flavor with minimal active cooking time.
- Incredible Tenderness: The slow cooking process makes the beef unbelievably tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Rich, Deep Flavor: The red wine and beef broth create a luxurious sauce that’s simply divine.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the crockpot, you can forget about it until dinner time.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: This beef bourguignon in a crock pot is a lifesaver for weeknight dinners.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile: This beef bourguignon in a crock pot pairs beautifully with so many sides.
- Aromatherapy: Your home will smell amazing as it cooks!
Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
Gather these essentials for a truly authentic taste of France right in your slow cooker. The quality of your ingredients really shines through in this classic dish, especially the beef and the rich red wine that forms the base of our sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces – this cut becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for browning the beef and building flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped – provides a sweet aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds that essential pungent depth.
- 4 carrots, sliced – for a touch of sweetness and color.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced – these are key for that earthy, savory flavor in our crockpot beef bourguignon with mushrooms.
- 2 cups red wine – a dry red like Burgundy or Pinot Noir is traditional and crucial for the sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth – adds richness and liquid for simmering.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – for depth of flavor and a slight tang.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a classic herb pairing for beef.
- 2 bay leaves – essential for infusing subtle herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste – to season perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Make Beef Bourguignon in a Slow Cooker
Making this French classic at home is surprisingly simple, especially when you let your trusty slow cooker do most of the work. This easy crockpot beef bourguignon recipe guarantees tender, flavorful results every time. Get ready to fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma!
- Step 1: Brown the Beef. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces, in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides until it has a lovely sear. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor base for your crockpot beef bourguignon.
- Step 2: Prepare and Add Vegetables. While the beef is browning, chop your 1 large onion, mince the 3 cloves garlic, and slice the 4 carrots and 8 oz mushrooms. Once the beef is browned, transfer it to your crockpot. Add the prepared onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms on top of the beef.
- Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups red wine, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is the heart of our slow cooker beef bourguignon.
- Step 4: Combine and Cook. Pour the rich sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the beef and veggies are well coated. This is where the magic of an easy crockpot beef bourguignon recipe really shines.
- Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover the crockpot tightly and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The longer, low-and-slow cooking time is what makes the beef so incredibly tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Step 6: Finishing Touches. Before serving your delicious beef bourguignon in a crock pot, be sure to remove and discard the bay leaves. Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
Elevate your slow cooker beef bourguignon from good to absolutely unforgettable with these insider tips. I’ve found these little tricks make a huge difference in achieving that truly authentic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so special.
- Don’t skip browning the beef! It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise.
- Use a good quality dry red wine; it’s a star ingredient and impacts the final taste significantly. For more on wine pairings, check out this guide to wine pairing.
- For an even richer sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste when you brown the beef.
- Thicken the sauce at the end if needed by mixing a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stirring it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Beef Bourguignon?
The real secret to an authentic crockpot beef bourguignon is patience and quality ingredients. Browning the beef properly and using a good, dry red wine are non-negotiable for that deep, complex flavor. The slow cooker does the rest, ensuring incredible tenderness.
Can I make Crockpot Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, minus the fresh parsley garnish, up to 24 hours in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on warm.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Beef Bourguignon?
The biggest pitfall is not browning the beef sufficiently – this sacrifices flavor. Also, avoid overcrowding the slow cooker; cook in batches if necessary. Finally, always remove the bay leaves before serving, as they can impart a bitter taste.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
This hearty crockpot beef bourguignon is so versatile, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. I love serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all that incredible wine sauce beautifully. Another fantastic option is alongside crusty French bread for dipping – it’s essential for getting every last drop of flavor from this slow cooker French beef stew. For a lighter touch, consider serving it with egg noodles or even a simple side of steamed green beans to balance the richness.
Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
This hearty stew is packed with flavor and satisfying protein. Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 45g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
The beauty of this hearty crockpot beef bourguignon is that it tastes even better the next day! Once it’s finished cooking, let the stew cool down at room temperature for about an hour. Then, portion it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this deliciousness even longer, it freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing and freezing.
When you’re ready to enjoy your slow cooker beef bourguignon again, the best reheating method is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave. For larger portions, the oven at 325°F (160°C) works wonderfully, covered to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
Why use a crockpot for beef bourguignon?
Using a crockpot for beef bourguignon is a game-changer for convenience and tenderness. It allows the beef to cook low and slow for hours, breaking down connective tissues and resulting in incredibly tender meat that’s hard to achieve with stovetop methods. It truly simplifies the process, making this classic dish accessible for any home cook. For more on the benefits of slow cooking, explore slow cooker benefits.
Can I make Crockpot Beef Bourguignon with different cuts of beef?
While beef chuck is ideal for its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can use other cuts like beef brisket or even short ribs. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly. The key is a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking to become fork-tender.
What kind of red wine is best for Crockpot Beef Bourguignon?
For an authentic flavor, a dry red wine like Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or even a Merlot works wonderfully. Avoid sweet wines, as they can overpower the dish. The wine is crucial for that signature rich, complex sauce that defines this slow cooker French beef stew.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking, you can easily thicken it! A common method is to create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high heat, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
Variations of Crockpot Beef Bourguignon You Can Try
While the classic recipe is divine, don’t be afraid to play with this foundational slow cooker French beef stew! You can adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a lighter version, try swapping some of the red wine for beef broth and adding more vegetables like parsnips or celery. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms like portobellos and cremini, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious plant-based meal. You might also enjoy this zucchini with mushrooms recipe.
For those who prefer a richer, more traditional flavor profile, consider adding pearl onions and lardons (small pieces of bacon) during the initial browning stage, just like in a traditional beef bourguignon slow cooker preparation. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or fresh thyme sprigs added during cooking. Each variation offers a unique spin on this beloved French classic, making your crockpot beef bourguignon uniquely yours!
Print
Crockpot Beef Bourguignon: Delectable French Stew Recipe
- Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 20 minutes (on low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a comforting French-inspired beef stew cooked in a slow cooker. It features tender beef, rich red wine sauce, vegetables like onions, carrots, and mushrooms, seasoned with herbs. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and brown them on all sides. This step enhances the flavor.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the beef is browning, chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Once the beef is browned, transfer it to your crockpot. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms.
- Mix the Sauces: In a bowl, combine the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour Over Beef: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. The longer, the better for tenderness!
- Remove Bay Leaves: Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves before serving. They can be bitter if consumed.
- Serve: Ladle the beef bourguignon into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley before enjoying.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary just before serving for extra freshness.
- This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 45g