Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon – Tender Beef in Rich Red Wine Sauce

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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon 🥩🍷 is a French classic that combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich red wine sauce. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for cozy, comforting meals with its deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Often considered a labor-intensive dish, making Beef Bourguignon in the slow cooker simplifies the process while still delivering that delicious, complex flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is an easy way to enjoy a sophisticated meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to impressive dinner parties.

Recipe Preparation Equipment:

  • Slow cooker 🍲
  • Large skillet or frying pan 🍳
  • Wooden spoon or spatula 🥄
  • Knife 🔪
  • Chopping board 🧑‍🍳
  • Measuring cups and spoons 🧑‍🍳

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes 🥩
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
  • 1 large onion, chopped 🧅
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 🥕
  • 2 cups red wine 🍷 (such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 2 cups beef broth 🥣
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
  • 2 bay leaves 🍃
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
  • 1/4 cup flour (optional, for thickening) 🌾
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved 🥔
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 🍄
  • Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿

How to make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:

Step 1:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes 🥩 in batches, browning them on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion 🧅 and garlic 🧄 until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste 🍅 and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly and develop its flavor.

Step 3:

Pour in the red wine 🍷 and beef broth 🥣, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the dried thyme 🌿, bay leaves 🍃, salt 🧂, and pepper 🌶️. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.

Step 4:

Add the carrots 🥕, baby potatoes 🥔, and mushrooms 🍄 to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 5:

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Variations:

  • Vegetable Bourguignon: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with a hearty root vegetable mix like parsnips, turnips, and more mushrooms 🍄. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
  • Herb Variations: Add rosemary 🌿 or basil 🍃 for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and add complexity.

Cooking Note:

For a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing 1/4 cup of flour 🌾 with a bit of cold water and stirring it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving. This will help thicken the broth, giving it a richer consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve over mashed potatoes 🥔 for a heartier meal.
  • Pair with crusty bread 🥖 to soak up all the delicious sauce.
  • A side of steamed green beans 🧑‍🍳 or a simple salad 🥗 would balance the richness of the beef stew.

Helpful Tips:

  • Browning the meat: Don’t skip browning the beef 🥩. This step adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish.
  • Choosing the right wine 🍷: Choose a full-bodied red wine for the best results. Avoid wines that are too sweet.
  • Prep in advance: You can brown the beef and prepare the veggies the day before. Just store everything in the fridge overnight and add them to the slow cooker the next day.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:

  • Use a good-quality wine 🍷 since it is a key ingredient in the sauce. The wine should be something you enjoy drinking.
  • Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • If you want a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of butter 🧈 at the end and stir it into the sauce.

Prep Time:

20 minutes ⏰

Cooking Time:

7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high 🕒

Total Time:

7-8 hours ⏳

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g 💪
Sodium: 800mg 🧂
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 20g 🧈

FAQs:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Beef Bourguignon gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Beef Bourguignon?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

What kind of wine should I use for Beef Bourguignon?
A dry, full-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot works best 🍷. Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking as it adds flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon 🥩🍷 is the perfect comforting dish to make ahead for a cozy dinner 🍽️. The slow cooking process brings out the rich flavors of the beef and vegetables, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy it with a glass of wine 🍷, crusty bread 🥖, and a side of vegetables for a complete and delicious meal!Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon – Tender Beef in Rich Red Wine Sauce

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