Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: 8 Hour Flavor

Okay, friends, let’s talk about something seriously comforting: Beef Bourguignon. I first had it at this tiny little bistro in Paris (dreamy, right?), and I thought, “Wow, this is amazing, but *way* too complicated for me to ever make.” Turns out, I was so wrong! Because this recipe? It’s the easiest shortcut EVER to that classic, rich flavor – thanks to my trusty slow cooker. Forget babysitting a pot on the stove all day. With this method, you get that melt-in-your-mouth beef and deeply savory sauce with almost zero effort. I’ve been making this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe for years and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, even *you* can nail this, even on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Seriously, you NEED this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon in your life. Why? Let me tell you:

• Minimal effort, *maximum* flavor. I’m talking gourmet-level deliciousness with almost zero hands-on time.
• It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner’s ready when you walk in the door. Talk about a lifesaver!
• Craving comfort food? This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. So rich, so savory, so satisfying.
• Impress your friends! Seriously, everyone thinks you slaved away all day. Let them think that, I won’t tell. 😉

Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this flavor explosion! Don’t worry, it looks like a lot, but it’s mostly just chopping and measuring. Here’s what you’ll need to make the most amazing Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon ever:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes (don’t skimp on the beef, it’s the star!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef – trust me, it’s worth the extra step)
• 1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you have on hand)
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered (I love the earthy flavor they add)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (this helps thicken the sauce)
• 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir – use something you’d actually drink!)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium is always a good idea)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (adds a nice depth to the sauce)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh, if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to take it out before serving!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (be generous!)
• 1 lb small potatoes, halved or quartered if large (Yukon Golds are my fave)
• 2 tbsp butter (for that extra touch of richness at the end)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish – makes it look pretty!)

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the lowdown on how we’re gonna turn those humble ingredients into a totally decadent Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Don’t be scared by the number of steps – it’s mostly just layering flavors, I promise!

1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy, really get in there!
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Watch out, it splatters! Brown beef in batches. This is *key* for developing a deep, rich flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of brown. Transfer browned beef to your slow cooker.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is! Add mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes until everything is fragrant. Wow, smells good already, right?
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. This helps thicken the sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in red wine and beef broth, making sure to scrape up *all* those browned bits from the skillet. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Pour this liquid gold sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add potatoes. Make sure the beef is mostly covered by liquid – add a splash more beef broth if needed.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until beef is fall-apart tender. Seriously, that’s it! The low and slow cooking is where the magic happens. If you’re using the high setting, check the beef tenderness around the 4-hour mark. Every slow cooker is different, ya know?
7. Remove bay leaf. It’s done its job! Stir in butter. I know, I know, more butter? But trust me, it adds a silky smoothness that you just can’t skip.
8. Garnish with parsley before serving. A little pop of freshness really brightens everything up. Plus, it looks fancy! 😉

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Want to take your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• **Don’t skip the browning step!** Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference in the depth of flavor. It’s a little extra work, but so worth it.
• **Use good quality wine.** You don’t need to use *expensive* wine, but definitely don’t use cooking wine. Choose something you’d actually enjoy drinking. The flavor will concentrate as it cooks, so you’ll taste it in the finished dish.
• **Low and slow is the way to go.** Cooking on low for a longer time gives the beef a chance to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• **Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.** Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten things up.

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon simmering away, but what do you serve with it? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my absolute faves:

• **Mashed potatoes:** Classic, creamy, and the perfect vehicle for soaking up that delicious sauce.
• **Egg noodles:** Another great option for sauce delivery! I like the wide, ribbon-like ones.
• **Crusty bread:** For sopping up every last drop of goodness. Trust me, you won’t want to waste a single bit!
• **Roasted vegetables:** Something simple like asparagus or green beans adds a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the stew.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Want to get ahead of the game? Smart move! My Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is totally make-ahead friendly. Just throw everything in the slow cooker insert the night before (don’t start cooking it yet!), and pop it into the slow cooker in the morning. Leftovers? Even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, gently simmer on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Got questions bouncing around in your head about making this amazing Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Sure, you *can*, but I wouldn’t recommend it! Beef chuck is really the best choice for this recipe, because it has just the right amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down during the long cooking time, making it super tender and flavorful. If you *must* substitute, try beef brisket – but be prepared for a slightly different texture.

Can I make this Beef Bourguignon on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

Yep, you definitely can! Just brown the beef and veggies as directed, then transfer everything to a large Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover and cook in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 3 hours, or until the beef is super tender. Check it every now and then to make sure there is enough liquid!

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon leftovers?

Absolutely! This is a great freezer-friendly meal. Just let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems a little dry after freezing.

Do I have to use Burgundy wine?

Nope! While Burgundy is traditionally used, any dry red wine you enjoy drinking will work just fine. Pinot Noir is usually a safe bet, or even a Cabernet Sauvignon if you like a bolder flavor.

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Please note that nutritional information can vary pretty wildly depending on the specific ingredients you use (brands, cuts of beef, etc.). The info provided here is just an estimate and shouldn’t be taken as gospel. 😉

Enjoyed This Recipe? Leave a Comment Below!

Did you love this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon as much as I do? Let me know in the comments! Rate the recipe, share it with your friends, and tell me what you think!

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