Name: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488880H48M23S
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups carrots, sliced; 2 cups mushrooms, quartered; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir); 2 cups beef broth; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a classic French dish that warms you from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is just the ticket. It’s rich, hearty, and full of deep flavors that develop slowly, making it perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress with minimal hands-on time. I love how the slow cooker does all the work, turning inexpensive beef chuck into tender morsels that melt in your mouth.

What makes this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe so special is the balance of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and bright red wine complemented by herbs and veggies. Plus, it’s a hands-off meal—throw it together in the morning and come home to a kitchen smelling like a French bistro. Trust me, it’s worth trying even if you’re new to slow cooking; you’ll love the results!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe plays a vital role in building those classic layers of flavor. When you shop, look for quality red wine since it really elevates the dish, and don’t be shy about picking fresh herbs to brighten the flavors.

Beef chuck: Look for well-marbled chuck roast as the fat keeps the meat tender and juicy during slow cooking.
Red wine: Burgundy or Pinot Noir works best—don’t worry if you can’t finish the bottle; it’s key to rich flavor here.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought are great options.
Onion: Adds sweetness and body as it stews down.
Garlic: Always a flavor booster—fresh minced works best.
Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Mushrooms: Quartered button or cremini mushrooms give that earthy undertone and meaty bite.
Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and adds slight tanginess without overwhelming.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the beef and wine beautifully.
Bay leaf: Adds that subtle woodsy flavor typical of French stews.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste—you can adjust once cooking is done.
Olive oil: For searing the beef and onions to develop a deeper flavor before slow cooking.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and fresh brightness when serving.

Variations

I like to tweak this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe depending on the season and what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—there’s so much room for personalization here!

Vegetarian variation: Swap beef with hearty mushrooms and add a splash of vegetable broth—I’ve tried this for family friends who don’t eat meat, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
Make it gluten-free: Skip any flour-based thickeners (if you add some) and check your broth label; I’ve done this often to keep it friendly for guests.
More veggies: Add pearl onions or parsnips for extra sweetness and texture; I find it adds a nice twist without complicating the recipe.
Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can give a subtle smoky kick, which I sometimes do for a modern twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

This first step really sets the tone for your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes in batches—don’t crowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear. You want those lovely caramelized edges for rich flavor. Once the beef is browned, toss in the onions and garlic and sauté until they’re soft and translucent. This little extra effort before slow cooking makes a huge difference in the final taste.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, red wine, and beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. One tip: don’t stir during cooking; let the slow cooker do its magic undisturbed.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Let Flavors Develop

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened and deepened in flavor. I usually go low and slow—it gives the best texture and taste. If the sauce feels too thin at the end, you can always uncover and cook for a bit longer or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor—it brightens this rich dish perfectly. Sometimes, I add a few fresh thyme sprigs if I have them handy, which makes it look restaurant-worthy and adds that lovely herbal aroma.

Side Dishes

We often serve this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe over buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. Crusty French bread is also a must-have for mopping up every last drop. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a simple mixed green salad help balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting a special dinner, I like serving portions in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets—makes the meal feel cozy and intimate. Another fun twist I’ve tried is plating it over creamy polenta instead of potatoes, which adds an unexpected texture and flavor layer that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store leftovers in an airtight container and urge you to let it cool before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor. It’s actually one of those meals that tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stew successfully several times. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. When I thaw it in the fridge overnight, it reheats beautifully without losing that tender texture or rich sauce.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You could also reheat portions in the microwave but do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally until warmed through and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe without red wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute extra beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to add acidity and depth. While wine adds authenticity, the slow cooking still infuses the beef with plenty of flavor.
What cut of beef is best for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Beef chuck is ideal because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful over slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts as they can come out dry or tough.
Can I prepare this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven. After browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, combine all ingredients and simmer gently in a 325°F oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
How thick should the sauce be at the end?

Ideally, the sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable. If it’s too thin, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes or thicken with a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
Is this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe kid-friendly?

While the flavors are robust, my kids have always enjoyed it, especially over mashed potatoes. If you want, you can reduce the garlic slightly or opt for a milder wine, like a Merlot.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the comfort of home cooking with the elegance of French cuisine, all without the fuss. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with cozy satisfaction. I really encourage you to try making it—it’s a slow cooker win that feels impressive but is surprisingly easy. Once you do, I’m pretty sure it will become a staple in your dinner rotation like it is in mine!