Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss

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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a comforting and hearty French-inspired stew that warms the soul. This dish features tender beef chuck, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich red wine-flavored sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is a culinary delight that is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the art of making this classic French beef dish!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is not just about taste; it’s a blend of convenience and flavor. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore this recipe:

  • Effortless preparation: Just set it and forget it.
  • Rich flavors from slow cooking, enhancing the taste of the beef.
  • Perfect for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Hearty and filling, this dish satisfies even the hungriest of appetites.
  • Versatile: Pair it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
  • A classic French beef dish that brings a touch of elegance to your table.

Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly unforgettable meal. It’s the best way to enjoy a slow cooked beef stew without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Gather these items:

  • 5 slices diced bacon
  • 3 pounds boneless beef chuck pieces, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup red cooking wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 5 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 pound baby potatoes (tri-color variety used)
  • 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
  • Fresh chopped parsley

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

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 5 slices of diced bacon for 5-7 minutes or until crisp. Remove and transfer the cooked bacon to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Season the 3 pounds of beef chuck pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and brown on each side for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup of red cooking wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce slightly. Gradually add 2 cups chicken broth, ½ cup tomato sauce, and ¼ cup soy sauce. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup flour to thicken the sauce. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the meat and bacon.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried), 5 sliced carrots, 1 pound baby potatoes, and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 6 hours until the beef is tender and flavors are well developed.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss - Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Keep these in mind:

  • Use a good quality red wine for the best flavor.
  • Brown the beef and bacon well; this adds depth to the dish.
  • For a gluten-free option, skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickener.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:

  • Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
  • Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Accompany with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

To store, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This is a fantastic slow cooker comfort food recipe that makes for excellent leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?

The secret lies in slow cooking the beef until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and using quality ingredients for rich flavor. Don’t rush the process!

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made a day in advance and reheated. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making it even tastier.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?

Ensure you don’t skip browning the meat and bacon; this step locks in flavors. Also, avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender.

Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon You Can Try

Feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations:

  • Add red bell peppers for a twist on the traditional recipe.
  • Include pearl onions for added sweetness.
  • Experiment with different types of mushrooms for varied textures.
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss - Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon - additional detail

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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss


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  • Author: layla
  • Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a comforting and hearty French-inspired stew featuring tender beef chuck, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich red wine-flavored sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 slices diced bacon
  • 3 pounds boneless beef chuck pieces, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup red cooking wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 5 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 pound baby potatoes (tri-color variety used)
  • 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 5 slices of diced bacon for 5-7 minutes or until crisp. Remove and transfer the cooked bacon to the slow cooker.
  2. Season the 3 pounds of beef chuck pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and brown on each side for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Pour 1 cup of red cooking wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce slightly. Gradually add 2 cups chicken broth, ½ cup tomato sauce, and ¼ cup soy sauce. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup flour to thicken the sauce. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the meat and bacon.
  4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried), 5 sliced carrots, 1 pound baby potatoes, and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 6 hours until the beef is tender and flavors are well developed.
  6. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Notes

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 8-10 hours on LOW or 6 hours on HIGH
    • Category: Main Course
    • Method: Slow Cooking
    • Cuisine: French

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 480
    • Sugar: 4 g
    • Sodium: 850 mg
    • Fat: 22 g
    • Saturated Fat: 8 g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
    • Carbohydrates: 28 g
    • Fiber: 4 g
    • Protein: 40 g
    • Cholesterol: 100 mg

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