Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon – Tender & Hearty Comfort in a Crockpot 🍷🥘
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a French classic made easy! Tender beef simmered in a rich red wine sauce with carrots, mushrooms, and herbs—perfect for cozy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💚
- ✅ Set it & forget it: Your slow cooker does all the work.
- ✅ Deep, comforting flavors: Perfectly braised beef with rich red wine sauce.
- ✅ Elegant enough for guests: But simple enough for a weeknight.
🥕 Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups red wine (like Pinot Noir)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms, halved
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef: Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then toss with flour. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the beef in batches. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant, then add tomato paste and stir. Pour in red wine, scrape up browned bits, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine in slow cooker: Pour the wine mixture over the beef. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- ✨ Use good wine: Choose a red wine you’d enjoy drinking—it’s key to flavor.
- ✨ No potatoes? Try parsnips or turnips instead for a twist.
- ✨ Make it ahead: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
🌿 Nutritional Benefits
This dish provides high-quality protein from beef, fiber and beta-carotene from carrots, and heart-healthy antioxidants from red wine and garlic.
🥡 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- 🧊 Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- ♨️ Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
- ❄️ Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
❓ FAQ
- Can I skip the wine?
You can replace it with more beef broth, though the flavor will be different. - Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for browning and aromatics, then cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. - What cut of beef is best?
Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful.
Warm, Hearty & Perfectly Cozy 🍷🍽️
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is your go-to for comfort food with French flair. Let the crockpot do the work while you enjoy a rich, delicious meal at the end of the day!