Name: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir); 2 cups beef broth; 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; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Ah, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe—this is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’ve found it’s perfect for those cozy weekends when you want a fuss-free, yet impressive meal waiting for you at dinnertime. What makes this recipe so special is how the slow cooking pulls every flavor together, turning humble ingredients into a sumptuous, rich stew that just melts in your mouth.

Whenever I make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe, I love that it’s an all-in-one kind of meal. It’s fantastic for entertaining or a comforting family dinner because you set it early, and then you get to relax without hovering in the kitchen. Plus, the aroma while it’s cooking? It’s a mood setter that promises something truly satisfying is coming your way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work beautifully to build layers of flavor, and most are pantry staples or easy to find at your local market. Choosing quality beef chuck and a good red wine will really elevate your slow cooker beef bourguignon recipe, so keep an eye out for those.

Beef chuck: This cut gets tender and juicy when slow-cooked. Make sure the cubes are about 1-inch for perfect stewing texture.
Red wine: Burgundy is classic, but Pinot Noir works great if that’s what you have. Avoid cooking wines—real wine makes all the difference.
Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the stew; homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work well.
Onion: Chopped finely for a subtle sweetness that blends seamlessly with the meat.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs way more flavor than pre-minced. Don’t skip it!
Carrots: Slice them thick to hold up during slow cooking, adding sweetness and color.
Mushrooms: Quartered white or cremini mushrooms soak up the sauce beautifully.
Tomato paste: Just a spoonful imparts a hint of tang and richness that balances the flavors.
Dried thyme: Earthy herb that complements the beef perfectly.
Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes—remember to remove before serving!
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, and don’t hold back; it brings all the flavors alive.
Olive oil: For a quick sear that locks in juices before slow cooking.
Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that cuts through the richness at the end.

Variations

I encourage you to make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe your own. I’ve tweaked it with different veggies and cooking times to suit my mood or the season, and you should too! Don’t be afraid to swap or add ingredients that you love.

Variation: Adding pearl onions instead of regular onions gives it a classic French touch—I tried this on a Sunday dinner and it was a hit.
Vegetarian option: Swap the beef for hearty mushrooms and add vegetable broth for a meatless version that’s surprisingly satisfying.
Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a small chili for some warmth if you like a little heat.
Seasonal twist: In winter, add parsnips or turnips alongside carrots for an earthy note.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan—this seals in the juices and builds that deep flavor base. You’ll want a nice crust on each piece, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the little extra time.

Step 2: Layer Your Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Once all the beef is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour the red wine and beef broth over everything. I like to give it a gentle stir to combine the layers, but don’t worry about mixing it too much.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Let the Magic Happen

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The key is low and slow—this lets the meat become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish with some freshly chopped parsley. It adds a welcome bright freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Sometimes, I like a little extra cracked black pepper on top just before serving—it’s such a simple way to elevate the flavors.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even crusty French bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. When I’m in the mood for a lighter side, some simple steamed green beans or a crisp salad does the trick.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of thyme or a swirl of sour cream. Another time, I spooned it over a puff pastry round to make an elegant beef pot pie-style presentation. It never fails to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so eating it the next day feels like a whole new delicious experience. Just make sure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe works wonderfully. I portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers, which makes thawing just what I need for a busy night. When ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you’re using a microwave, cover the dish loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between, so it heats evenly and stays nice and tender.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe without wine?

Absolutely! While wine adds depth, you can substitute it with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to mimic the acidity and richness. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?

Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. It has the right amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully over time.
How long can I cook the stew on low in the slow cooker?

Cooking on low for 7-8 hours is perfect. Going beyond that can risk the beef becoming too soft or mushy, so I don’t recommend exceeding 9 hours.
Can I use frozen beef in this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

I’d suggest thawing the beef first for even cooking and best texture. Cooking frozen beef can lead to uneven cooking and less tender results.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is thinner than you like, stir in a slurry made of cornstarch and cold water, then cook on high for another 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for a bit to reduce and thicken naturally.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to time and again when I want hearty comfort food without the stress. It’s a beautiful balance of simple prep, slow-cooked richness, and that feel-good satisfaction of a home-cooked classic. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to when you crave something that tastes like an elegant dinner but barely asks for your attention.