Growing up in the rural South, the slow cooker was as much a part of our kitchen as the old wooden table where family stories were shared over hearty meals. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe transports me back to those days, where the aroma of simmering stews filled the air, promising warmth and comfort. It reminds me of family reunions, where laughter mingled with the delicious scents wafting from the kitchen. Though my specialty has always been chicken, this dish holds a special place in my heart, offering a taste of home and the simple joys of life on the farm.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
- It’s so easy, it feels like a little kitchen victory!
- Perfect for those days when you want to set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work.
- Rich, heartwarming flavors that make it one of those Recipes Your Husband Will Love.
- It’s a great choice for Slow Cooker Family Dinners, bringing everyone together around the table.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Treat
There’s something truly magical about simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 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
You’ll find the full ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below!
Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step
Imagine we’re standing side by side in the kitchen, aprons on, ready to create something unforgettable. Here’s how we do it:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add to the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
A Few of My Favorite Tips
Here are some little secrets to make this dish even better, just like sharing a tip over a cup of coffee with a friend:
- Use a good quality red wine—it makes all the difference in the depth of flavor.
- If you have the time, let the beef marinate in the wine for a few hours before cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last hour of cooking or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
How I Like to Serve This
There’s nothing quite like serving this beef bourguignon with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, letting the rich sauce soak into every bite. It’s also fantastic with a loaf of crusty bread to mop up every last drop. And for a Southern twist, try it over a bed of fluffy rice, just like my The Comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice Your Family Will Love.
Storing & Reheating (If There’s Any Left!)
Should you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well, making it perfect for Quick Crock Pot Meals on busy days.
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients
Meat
- 907 g beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
Liquids
- 240 ml red wine (burgundy or pinot noir)
- 480 ml beef broth
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 240 g carrots, sliced
- 240 g mushrooms, quartered
Condiments
- 30 g tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 30 ml olive oil
Garnish
- fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown beef cubes in olive oil, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Sauté onions and garlic, then add to slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients to slow cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve.
