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Tender hunks of beef braised gently in a velvety red wine sauce, punctuated by soft carrots, mushrooms, and a bouquet of herbs—this is what makes Beef Bourguignon a beloved classic. Preparing it in your slow cooker infuses flavors over hours of carefree cooking, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth wonderful.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch chunks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (Pinot Noir or Burgundy works well)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Begin by seasoning the beef with salt and pepper. In a heavy skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece gets a golden crust. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crisp. Add the onion and carrots, sautéing briefly just until they begin to show color. Stir in the mushrooms and garlic for a minute or two, then whisk in the tomato paste. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for a minute, then add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
Carefully transfer everything to the slow cooker, stirring to coat the beef. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and the flavors have melded into a dark, rich sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of water, then stir it in for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
When done, discard the bay leaf and serve your Beef Bourguignon with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles.
Beyond the impossibly tender beef, what makes this recipe truly special is how effortless it is. It’s a foolproof feast for family dinners, potlucks, or when you crave something homey. If you need a lighter option, swap rich bacon for turkey bacon, or use extra veggies in place of some of the meat. Non-alcoholic approach? Substitute additional beef broth for the wine. Versatility, comfort, and classic French allure—all in one pot. Bon appétit!
