Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

Crockpot beef bourguignon served in a rustic bowl with vegetables and garnished

Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out. This classic French recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal, allowing the rich aromas to fill your home as it slowly cooks. Cooking it in a crockpot means you can effortlessly prepare a comforting dinner with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for any occasion, this dish will impress your family and friends without requiring hours of labor in the kitchen.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 450
  • Protein: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Fat: 25 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugar: 4 grams
  • Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is not just any casserole; it’s a rich and robust dish that melds tender beef with a medley of vegetables and wine, creating a symphony of flavors. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender while infusing everything with deep, savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this dish makes a statement at the table. Plus, your crockpot does the hard work for you, leaving you free to enjoy time with your loved ones.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups of red wine
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

### Step 1: Preparation

In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. This will add a smoky flavor to your dish.

### Step 2: Browning the Beef

In the same skillet, add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the flavor and creates a nice color on the meat.

### Step 3: Mixing Ingredients

Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot. Add the reserved bacon, chopped onion, sliced carrots, minced garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

### Step 4: Cooking

Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced mushrooms to the crockpot. This will allow the mushrooms to soften and soak up the delicious flavors.

### Step 5: Finishing Touches

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the plate. For an authentic touch, offer a glass of red wine that complements the robust flavors of the Bourguignon.

How to Store Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the Bourguignon in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

  • Use Quality Beef: Choose well-marbled beef chuck to ensure tenderness and flavor.
  • Sear Meat Before Cooking: Browning the meat adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Choose a Good Wine: Use a wine you enjoy drinking, as it greatly affects the dish’s end flavor.
  • Texture Matters: Add vegetables in stages; root vegetables can go in at the start, while delicate mushrooms should be added later.
  • Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking or mix in a cornstarch slurry.

Delicious Variations

  • Mushroom Lovers: Add more mushrooms or use different varieties like shiitake for an earthy twist.
  • Vegetable Boost: Incorporate potatoes, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh rosemary or sage alongside or instead of thyme.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure your wine is also gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I skip the wine?
    Yes, you can use all beef broth instead, which will create a flavorful but less complex dish.

  • How can I make it spicier?
    Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat.

  • What type of wine should I use?
    A dry red wine like Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon works well. Avoid sweet wines.

  • Can I cook this on the stove instead?
    Absolutely! Simmer on low in a heavy pot, allowing for longer cooking time until the meat is tender.

  • What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
    Dried thyme is a great substitute; use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a comforting recipe that delivers on flavor and ease. The slow-cooked beef, combined with rich wine, herbs, and vegetables, creates a luxurious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. As the enticing aromas fill your kitchen, you’ll find it’s hard not to fall in love with this classic dish. Gather your ingredients and let your crockpot do the magic—your taste buds will thank you!

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Crockpot Beef Bourguignon


  • Author: mia-harper
  • Total Time: 500 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

A classic French dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal, perfect for impressing family and friends with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain.
  2. In the same skillet, brown the beef cubes on all sides.
  3. Transfer beef to the crockpot and add bacon, onion, carrots, garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add mushrooms in the last 30 minutes.
  5. Remove bay leaves before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Pairs well with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 480 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
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