Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Rich, hearty, and full of deep, savory flavor, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a classic French comfort dish made easy with the crockpot. Traditionally simmered for hours on the stovetop, this slow cooker version delivers the same tender beef and luxurious sauce with far less effort. It’s the perfect recipe for cozy weekends, special family dinners, or anytime you want an impressive meal that practically cooks itself.

Beef bourguignon is known for its slow-braised beef, aromatic vegetables, and richly flavored sauce. The slow cooker allows all those ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in fork-tender beef and a thick, deeply satisfying gravy. Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this is a very approachable recipe using simple, everyday ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

• Classic French flavors with easy slow cooker prep
• Tender, fall-apart beef every time
• Rich, savory sauce perfect for spooning over sides
• Ideal for make-ahead meals and leftovers
• Comfort food that feels elegant and special

Ingredients

• 2½–3 pounds beef chuck, cut into large chunks
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 oz mushrooms, halved
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches until well seared. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and carrots for 3–4 minutes until lightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then pour in red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and mushrooms.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
7. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Tips for the Best Beef Bourguignon

• Use beef chuck for the most tender results.
• Browning the beef adds depth of flavor—don’t skip this step if possible.
• Choose a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking; it greatly affects the flavor.
• Let the stew rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to deepen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slow cooker beef bourguignon over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or creamy polenta. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up the rich sauce. A simple green salad makes the perfect fresh side.

Variations

• Add pearl onions for a traditional touch
• Swap red wine for extra beef broth if preferred
• Stir in peas at the end for added color
• Make it gluten-free by skipping cornstarch or using a gluten-free thickener

Comforting, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is proof that classic recipes can be both elegant and easy. It’s a timeless dish your readers will love making again and again.