Looking for a hands-off, deeply flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe is your answer! Think tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, simmered in a rich red wine sauce with mushrooms, onions, and carrots. This classic French stew, adapted for the convenience of your slow cooker, delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering.
What is Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French beef stew, traditionally braised slowly in a rich red wine sauce. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon version reimagines the dish for modern convenience. By utilizing the slow cooker, we can achieve the same deep, complex flavors with significantly less hands-on time. The beef becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork.
The vegetables soften and meld beautifully with the savory sauce, creating a truly comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe allows a home cook to create an amazing, complex flavorful entree!
Ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked comfort? Give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: 3 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose well-marbled chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the beef.
- Bacon: 4 slices, chopped. Adds a smoky depth of flavor to the stew.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped.
- Carrots: 2 large, peeled and chopped.
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons. Used to thicken the sauce.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups. Provides the liquid base for the stew. Low-sodium is recommended to control the salt level.
- Dry Red Wine: 1 bottle (750ml), preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir. The quality of the wine will affect the final flavor of the dish, so choose a wine you enjoy drinking.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
- Dried Bay Leaf: 1.
- Cremini Mushrooms: 1 pound, quartered. Adds an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Pearl Onions: 1 cup, peeled (optional, but adds a traditional touch). Frozen pearl onions work well.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Searing the beef and lightly sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the depth of flavor. Then, simply let the slow cooker work its magic! The total preparation time is about 30 minutes, followed by 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high in the slow cooker. The result is a profoundly flavorful dish that requires minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef:
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches (do not overcrowd the pan), sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Render the Bacon and Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the chopped bacon to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Pour in the dry red wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
- Add the dried thyme and bay leaf.
Step 4: Slow Cook:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the seared beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the quartered cremini mushrooms and pearl onions (if using).
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in the cooked bacon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe is sure to become a family favorite! The absolute highlight is the incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s been simmered to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. Making this dish at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering it at a restaurant, without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. And let’s not forget the flavorful toppings – a sprinkle of crisp bacon and fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch.
If you enjoy hearty stews, you might also like to try a classic beef stew recipe. However, this Bourguignon offers a more sophisticated flavor profile thanks to the red wine and bacon.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and prepare to create a culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon With:
To complete your meal, consider serving this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich sauce perfectly.
- Egg Noodles: Serve over buttered egg noodles to soak up all the delicious gravy.
- Crusty Bread: A crusty baguette is ideal for sopping up the sauce.
- Green Beans: A side of steamed or roasted green beans provides a refreshing contrast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon turns out perfectly:
- Don’t skip the searing! Searing the beef is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. Make sure to sear it in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Use High-Quality Wine: Since the red wine is a key component of the sauce, use a wine that you would enjoy drinking. A Burgundy or Pinot Noir is traditionally used in this recipe.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: If the sauce appears too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have pearl onions, you can use chopped sweet onions instead. If you don’t have bacon, you can use pancetta.
- Timing Adjustments: If you’re short on time, you can cook the stew on high for 4-6 hours, but the beef will be more tender if cooked on low for 8-10 hours.
- Deglaze pan properly: after searing the beef, make sure to scrape all leftover bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a lot of flavors hide.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
- Origin: Beef Bourguignon originates from Burgundy, France.
- Julia Child’s Influence: Julia Child popularized Beef Bourguignon in America through her cookbook and television show.
- Traditionally Braised: The traditional method involves braising the beef in a Dutch oven in the oven.
- Slow Cooker Adaptation: This recipe adapts the classic dish for the convenience of a slow cooker.
- Flavor Development: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen over time.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the stew to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker truly simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy all the rich, complex flavors with minimal effort.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to experience the culinary magic of Beef Bourguignon!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While chuck roast is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use beef stew meat. However, chuck roast will provide the best results.
Q: Can I use a different type of wine?
A: Pinot Noir and Burgundy are traditionally used, but you can also use other dry red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Q: Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
A: Yes, you can substitute the red wine with beef broth. However, the wine adds depth of flavor to the dish, so it may not taste quite the same. You can also add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar for a bit of acidity.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips. Add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
A: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker and reduce it in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens. Then, return it to the slow cooker.