Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Craving a hearty and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe. With its tender beef, savory bacon, and rich red wine sauce, this dish is a true showstopper that will impress your family and guests alike. By allowing your slow cooker to work its magic over 8-10 hours, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon lies in its simplicity and depth of flavors. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a French-inspired stew that has been simmering slowly all day, ready to be enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a special dish for a gathering or a cozy family dinner, this recipe has you covered. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to savor every bite of this delectable beef bourguignon.

Quick Benefits

• Slow cooking method ensures incredibly tender beef while building layers of complex flavor
• Most of the work happens hands-off in your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze
• Using well-marbled beef chuck ensures maximum flavor and tenderness

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days.
• Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The slow cooking method ensures incredibly tender beef with layers of complex flavor.
• Rich and Complex Sauce: The combination of wine, soy sauce, and tomato sauce creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Complete Meal: With a mix of beef, potatoes, mushrooms, and carrots, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Leftovers Are Even Better: The flavors meld together, making the leftovers taste even more delicious the next day.
• Easy Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy easy meal prep throughout the week.
• French Bistro Experience: Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles with crusty bread for a complete French bistro experience at home.
• Cooking Tips: The recipe includes valuable tips on ingredient selection and cooking techniques for the best results.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has been tried and tested, making it a standout family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Labor of Love: While not quick, the process is a labor of love that fills your home with incredible aromas and brings everyone to the table eager to dig in.

Ingredients for Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Meat

• 3 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut to 1 inch cubes
• 5 slices bacon, finely chopped

Vegetables

• 5 medium carrots, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 pound baby potatoes (tri color)
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons thyme, finely chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup red cooking wine

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

Pro Tips for Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

For the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe, ensure to properly sear the beef and bacon to develop rich flavors before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is crucial for building depth in the dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan during searing to achieve a good brown crust on the meat.

When selecting ingredients, opt for well-marbled beef chuck for maximum tenderness and flavor. Choosing cremini mushrooms over white button varieties will add more depth to the stew. Additionally, use baby potatoes for their waxy texture that holds up well during long cooking times. Remember, the key to a successful Beef Bourguignon lies in layering flavors, so take your time with each step, especially the initial searing process.

How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to slow cooker. Season beef with salt and pepper, sear for 2-3 minutes per side in the skillet, then transfer to slow cooker.

Step 2: Step 02

Pour red wine into skillet and scrape up brown bits. Reduce wine, then stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and flour gradually. Transfer sauce to slow cooker.

Step 3: Step 03

Place garlic, thyme, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms in the slow cooker and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Step 04

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6 hours until beef is tender.

Step 5: Step 05

Sprinkle with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, if desired.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying a delicious batch of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Store the finished dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to 4 days. If planning to store for longer periods, portion the stew into containers and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw the frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating the beef bourguignon, do so gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the ingredients. If the sauce has thickened too much, thin it out by gradually adding warm broth until reaching the desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow it to reduce further. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so adjustments can be made accordingly. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can continue to savor the rich flavors of this classic French stew for a memorable dining experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the beef chuck with seitan or extra-firm tofu cut into cubes to mimic the texture of the meat. The seitan or tofu will absorb the flavors of the sauce while providing a hearty protein component to the dish.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version or don’t have red cooking wine on hand, you can replace it with additional chicken broth mixed with a splash of red wine vinegar or grape juice. This will help maintain the acidity and depth of flavor that the wine contributes to the dish.

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour for thickening the sauce. Additionally, ensure the soy sauce you use is gluten-free or substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the savory umami flavor in the dish without the gluten.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon in individual bread bowls. Hollow out round loaves of crusty bread, ladle the rich stew into each bowl, and top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Not only does this presentation look impressive, but it also allows your guests to enjoy every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Another unique way to serve this dish is to turn it into a beef bourguignon pot pie. Spoon the beef stew into individual ramekins or a large baking dish, top with a layer of puff pastry or mashed potatoes, and bake until golden and bubbly. The combination of the tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flaky crust creates a comforting and elegant meal that will surely impress your family and guests.

FAQs for Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Can I substitute the red cooking wine with another type of wine?

You can substitute the red cooking wine with a dry red wine like burgundy, pinot noir, or merlot. Just make sure to use a wine you enjoy drinking as it contributes significantly to the flavor of the dish.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

While baby potatoes are recommended for their texture and ability to hold up during long cooking, you can use regular potatoes cut into smaller chunks as a substitute. Just monitor their cooking time to ensure they don’t become too mushy.

How can I adjust the cooking time if I want to cook this beef bourguignon on high heat?

If you prefer to cook the beef bourguignon on high heat in the slow cooker, reduce the cooking time to around 4-5 hours. Keep an eye on the tenderness of the beef and vegetables to prevent overcooking.

Can I prepare this dish a day ahead and reheat it for serving?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors of beef bourguignon meld together even better after a day in the refrigerator. Simply store the cooked dish in the fridge overnight and gently reheat it on the stovetop the next day. You may need to add a splash of broth to adjust the consistency as needed.

Conclusion

As you savor the rich flavors and tender beef of this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, I hope it brings comfort and joy to your table, just like it does to mine. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with loved ones. The hands-off approach of this recipe allows you to enjoy the process of cooking while creating a truly memorable meal.

So, take your time, enjoy the process, and let the slow cooker work its magic on this classic French stew. With each bite, may you experience the warmth and love that went into preparing this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Bon appétit!