Name: Slow cooker beef bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489559H33M29S
Total time: PT-489559H33M29S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1kg/2lb 4oz braising beef (shin, cheek, brisket, or chuck steak), cut into 4–5cm/1½–2in chunks; 250g/9oz shallots, peeled and larger ones halved; 5 garlic cloves (4 halved, 1 crushed); 200g/7oz bacon lardons or smoked streaky bacon, sliced into strips; 4–5 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3–4 chunks; 6 fresh thyme sprigs; 125g/4½oz button mushrooms, larger ones halved or thickly sliced; 3 tbsp plain flour; 3 tbsp tomato purée; 1 beef stock pot or stock cube, crumbled; 375ml/13fl oz red wine; 300ml/10fl oz water (for mixing with flour and purée); 15g/½oz butter; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbsp cornflour (optional, for thickening); Freshly steamed green vegetables, to serve; Creamy mashed potatoes, to serve

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a rich, comforting meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, Slow cooker beef bourguignon is an absolute game-changer. This classic French stew, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, melds juicy braised beef chunks, earthy mushrooms, and smoky bacon in a luscious, wine-infused sauce. With minimal hands-on time but maximum flavor, it’s a dish that invites you to unwind and enjoy some truly hearty, soul-warming comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this Slow cooker beef bourguignon unforgettable. Each element, from the tender chunks of beef to the fragrant sprigs of thyme, plays a crucial role in creating layers of taste, texture, and deep color in your stew.

Braising beef: Choose cuts like shin, cheek, brisket, or chuck steak for tender meat that becomes beautifully melt-in-your-mouth when slow-cooked.
Shallots: These add a subtle sweetness and delicate texture that complements the hearty beef.
Garlic cloves: Both crushed and halved garlic lend a robust aroma and depth of flavor.
Bacon lardons or smoked streaky bacon: Adds smoky richness and a satisfying bite throughout the stew.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory components and brings vibrant color.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Fresh herbs elevate this dish with an earthy, fragrant note.
Plain flour: Helps to thicken the luscious sauce that coats every delicious bite.
Tomato purée: Adds subtle acidity and enhances the deep red hue of the stew.
Beef stock pot or cube: Concentrates the meaty flavor for a robust broth.
Red wine: The soul of this bourguignon, infusing complexity and richness.
Butter: For sautéing mushrooms and adding a silky finish.
Button mushrooms: Provide an earthy, umami burst and tender bite.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
Cornflour (optional): For thickening the sauce further if desired.
Freshly steamed green vegetables and creamy mashed potato: Perfect companions to soak up that incredible sauce.

How to Make Slow cooker beef bourguignon

Step 1: Prepare your slow cooker and add the base ingredients

Start by setting your slow cooker to the high setting to preheat it. Once warm, add the beef chunks, shallots, halved garlic cloves, bacon strips, carrot pieces, and fresh thyme sprigs. This combination creates a beautiful base filled with savory, sweet, and aromatic elements that will develop as the stew cooks.

Step 2: Mix and incorporate the thickening and flavor components

In a large bowl, mash together the flour, tomato purée, and crumbled beef stock pot or cube. Gradually whisk in 300ml of water until the mixture is smooth. Pour this into the slow cooker along with the red wine, stirring everything together to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for around 5 hours, depending on your cut of beef. This slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the meat while allowing the flavors to meld deeply.

Step 3: Sauté mushrooms and add garlic for depth

When your bourguignon is nearly finished cooking, melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the button mushrooms and cook them until they turn golden-brown and soften nicely. Add the crushed garlic and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Then stir this fragrant mushroom mixture back into the slow cooker, enhancing the rustic texture and turning the stew’s flavor up a notch.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce to perfection

If you prefer a thicker sauce, take a ladle of the stew’s liquid and mix it with a tablespoon of cornflour in the frying pan to create a smooth paste. Gradually stir in another ladle of sauce and cook over medium heat while stirring until it thickens dramatically. Stir this thickened sauce back into the slow cooker and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Your Slow cooker beef bourguignon is now ready, bursting with rich, slow-cooked flavors and a velvety sauce that clings to every tender meat piece. It’s time to gather your favorite sides and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow cooker beef bourguignon

Garnishes

Nothing says homemade comfort like a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top—consider finely chopped parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and mild herbaceous brightness that cuts through the rich stew.

Side Dishes

This stew shines alongside freshly steamed green vegetables such as green beans or broccoli, which add a crisp freshness. Creamy mashed potato is an absolute must to soak up all that glorious sauce, creating the perfect luscious bite every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try serving the Slow cooker beef bourguignon over buttered noodles or creamy polenta. Alternatively, spoon the stew into warmed rustic bread bowls for a charming, rustic presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow cooker beef bourguignon keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture, ready to reheat and enjoy again.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully, making it a good candidate for batch cooking. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Slow cooker beef bourguignon gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or stock can help loosen the sauce. Microwaving on a medium setting is also fine, but stir frequently to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for slow cooker beef bourguignon?

Absolutely! While shin, cheek, brisket, or chuck are ideal for slow cooking due to their connective tissue and fat content, you can use other cuts like blade or even round steak. Just expect slight differences in tenderness and cooking time.

Do I have to use red wine in the recipe?

Red wine is traditional and adds fantastic depth, but you can substitute with extra beef stock or a non-alcoholic wine alternative. The stew will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker?

Although browning the beef before slow cooking can enhance flavor and color, this recipe skips that step for simplicity without sacrificing too much richness, especially given the long, slow cooking process.

Can I prepare Slow cooker beef bourguignon ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, then refrigerate overnight and start cooking the next day. This makes for an incredibly convenient meal prep.

How can I make the sauce thicker without cornflour?

If you prefer to avoid cornflour, simply uncover your slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the sauce reduce naturally. Alternatively, you can mash a few cooked carrots into the sauce to help thicken it naturally.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker beef bourguignon is truly a comforting classic that anyone can master with minimal effort and maximum reward. Its rich, tender meat and luscious, wine-kissed sauce turn any mealtime into a celebration of flavor and warmth. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings, whether for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

Slow cooker beef bourguignon Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes (low) or 5 hours 20 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe offers a rich and comforting French classic made easy with a slow cooker. Tender braised beef chunks simmer with shallots, garlic, bacon, carrots, and fresh thyme in a luscious red wine and beef stock sauce. Finished with sautéed mushrooms and optionally thickened for a perfect consistency, it’s a hearty dish best served with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables, ideal for a satisfying family meal.

Instructions

Preheat and Add Ingredients: Turn the slow cooker to the high setting to preheat. Add the beef chunks, shallots, halved garlic cloves, bacon strips, carrot chunks, and fresh thyme sprigs into the slow cooker bowl.
Prepare Sauce Mixture and Start Cooking: In a large bowl, mash together the plain flour, tomato purée, and crumbled beef stock pot or cube. Gradually stir in 300ml (10fl oz) of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the beef and vegetables, then add the red wine. Stir well to combine, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for about 5 hours, depending on the cut of beef used.
Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: When the casserole is nearly done, heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and softened. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Mushrooms and Adjust Sauce Thickness: Transfer the sautéed mushrooms and garlic mixture into the slow cooker and stir. If a thicker sauce is desired, blend a little of the sauce from the slow cooker with cornflour in the mushroom frying pan to form a smooth paste. Gradually add another ladleful of sauce, then cook this mixture over medium heat until it thickens significantly. Stir this thickened sauce back into the slow cooker. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the beef bourguignon hot with freshly steamed green vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a traditional hearty meal.

Notes

Choose tougher cuts of beef like shin or chuck for best results as they become tender when slow-cooked.
Cooking times vary based on the beef cut; use low setting for tougher cuts to ensure tenderness.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, do use the optional cornflour thickening step at the end.
The red wine not only adds depth but helps tenderize the beef during cooking.
For garnish and extra freshness, chopped parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours on low or 5 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Sautéing
Cuisine: French