Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: A Classic French Stew Made Easy

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Beef Bourguignon. This traditional French stew, made famous by Julia Child, combines tender beef, earthy vegetables, and a deeply flavorful sauce that warms you from the inside out. Traditionally, it’s simmered slowly on the stovetop or in the oven, requiring careful attention and hours of patience. But thanks to the slow cooker, you can enjoy all the rich flavors of this classic dish with far less effort.

This recipe keeps the authentic French soul of Beef Bourguignon while adapting it to the busy home cook’s kitchen. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came from a fine bistro, ready to serve for family dinners, holidays, or cozy Sunday meals.

Why Make Beef Bourguignon in a Slow Cooker?

  • Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of the long simmering, freeing up your time.
  • Rich Flavor Development: Hours of low-and-slow cooking allows the flavors of beef, herbs, and vegetables to meld beautifully.
  • Tender Beef: Tough cuts like chuck roast become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: Make it ahead, and it only gets better as it sits.
  • Minimal Supervision: Unlike stovetop cooking, the slow cooker won’t demand constant stirring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into a hearty pot of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 4 slices thick-cut beef or turkey bacon, diced (optional, for smoky depth)
  • 2 cups carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), halved
  • 2 cups mushrooms, halved or quartered
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds depth and umami)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

  • In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor.
  • Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.

(Tip: Don’t skip this step—the caramelization adds incredible depth to the final dish.)

2. Cook the Aromatics

  • In the same skillet, cook diced bacon (if using) until crisp.
  • Add onion, garlic, and carrots, cooking for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato paste, cooking for another minute to deepen flavor.
  • Transfer mixture into the slow cooker.

3. Build the Sauce

  • Add beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
  • Stir everything together to coat beef and veggies.

4. Slow Cook

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  • In the last 30 minutes, add mushrooms and potatoes so they cook through but don’t get mushy.

5. Thicken the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk flour with ½ cup of cooking liquid to make a slurry.
  • Stir back into the slow cooker and cook for 20–30 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

6. Serve and Garnish

  • Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Tips for Success

  • Use the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast or brisket works best for tenderness. Avoid lean cuts, which can dry out.
  • Brown in Batches: Overcrowding the pan will steam the beef instead of searing it.
  • Don’t Overcook Veggies: Add mushrooms and potatoes later to keep them intact.
  • Thicker Sauce: If you like a thicker gravy, let the slow cooker simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
  • Make Ahead: Flavors deepen overnight, making it even better reheated the next day.

Serving Suggestions

  • Mashed Potatoes: A creamy base to soak up all the rich sauce.
  • Egg Noodles or Pappardelle: The wide noodles pair beautifully with the stew.
  • Polenta: Creamy polenta creates an elegant French-inspired presentation.
  • Rustic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the flavorful sauce.

Flavor Variations

  • Herb Lovers: Add rosemary or tarragon for extra aroma.
  • Smoky Twist: Swap regular bacon for smoked turkey bacon.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add parsnips or celery root for earthy sweetness.
  • Dairy Finish: Stir in a splash of cream for a velvety texture.

Storing and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if sauce has thickened too much.

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving, approx. 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg

(Varies depending on beef cut and optional bacon use.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use wine in Beef Bourguignon?
Traditionally, yes, but this recipe skips it by using broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire to build depth of flavor.

Can I skip searing the beef?
You can, but you’ll miss out on the caramelized flavors that elevate the dish.

Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely—parsnips, celery, or turnips make great additions.

Can this be made in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Sear using the sauté function, then pressure cook for 40 minutes with natural release.

Why This Recipe Works

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon works because it keeps the heart of the classic dish—tender beef, hearty vegetables, and deep flavors—while making it achievable for everyday cooking. By layering flavors through searing, tomato paste, and slow simmering, you end up with a restaurant-worthy meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, elegant dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is it. It’s rustic yet refined, simple yet flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and a loaf of crusty bread, and you’ll have a dinner that impresses without stress.

Cooking French classics at home doesn’t have to be intimidating—the slow cooker makes it accessible, effortless, and incredibly rewarding.

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