Name: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 9 h
Total time: 9 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 slices diced bacon; 3 pounds boneless beef chuck pieces (cut to 1 inch cubes); 1 cup red cooking wine; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup tomato sauce; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 minced garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons minced thyme; 5 medium sliced carrots; 1 pound baby potatoes (tri-color recommended); 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms; fresh chopped parsley for garnish; ¼ cup flour

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 52 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that wraps you in warmth and rich flavors, then this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic French-inspired stew transforms humble ingredients into a luscious combination of tender beef, velvety sauce, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all slowly cooked to perfection. Whether you want to impress family at dinner or cozy up on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers incredible depth of flavor with minimal fuss, making it an irresistible dish to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a four-step cooking process using close-up shots with a white marbled surface and a red-checked cloth in the background. In the top-left image, small golden brown bits of chopped garlic are frying in a black pan. The top-right image shows red chunks of raw meat in the same black pan. The bottom-left image captures a black slow cooker filled with brown stew sauce, orange carrot slices, and small dark meat pieces sprinkled with bits of garlic. The bottom-right image shows the slow cooker again, now filled with golden small potatoes, orange carrot pieces, fresh white sliced mushrooms, and green herbs scattered on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with taste, texture, and beautiful color. Each item plays a unique role, from deepening the savory richness to adding freshness and balance.

5 slices diced bacon: provides smoky, crispy bits that infuse the stew with incredible flavor right from the start.
3 pounds boneless beef chuck pieces (cut to 1 inch cubes): perfect for long, slow cooking to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
1 cup red cooking wine: adds fruity acidity that brightens the stew and layers complexity.
2 cups chicken broth: creates the hearty base, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
½ cup tomato sauce: thickens the sauce with subtle tang and sweetness.
¼ cup soy sauce: enhances umami for a richer, deeper taste.
¼ cup flour: acts as a gentle thickener for that perfect velvety texture.
3 minced garlic cloves: infuses pungent aroma and depth, balancing the richness beautifully.
2 tablespoons minced thyme: offers an earthy, herbal note that is classic to bourguignon.
5 medium sliced carrots: add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
1 pound baby potatoes (tri-color recommended): provide hearty substance and an appealing visual element.
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms: bring an earthy, meaty texture that complements the beef wonderfully.
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: adds a refreshing finish and pop of green to brighten the plate.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking the diced bacon slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they’re perfectly crisp and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. The rendered bacon fat adds an incredible base flavor, so be sure not to rush this part! Once crisp, transfer the bacon to your slow cooker to await the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Generously season your cubed beef chuck pieces with salt and pepper. Using that same skillet with the flavorful bacon fat, brown the beef cubes on all sides. This step locks in juices and creates those delicious caramelized bits that deepen the stew’s taste. Once browned, move the beef over to the slow cooker on top of the bacon.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour the red cooking wine into the hot skillet, scraping the bottom to lift all those tasty browned bits left behind from the beef. Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly to concentrate its flavor. Then, slowly whisk in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Finally, stir in the flour to gently thicken the sauce. Once combined, pour the luscious sauce right into the slow cooker over the beef and bacon.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Next, add the garlic, minced thyme, sliced carrots, baby potatoes, and mushrooms into your slow cooker. These ingredients not only bulk up the dish for a hearty meal, but each one brings its own character—the garlic and thyme add aromatics while the carrots and potatoes offer a satisfying bite.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Give everything a good stir so all the flavors meld together nicely. Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or HIGH for about 6 hours, depending on your schedule. The long, gentle cooking breaks down the beef until it’s irresistibly tender and the sauce develops a luscious, rich consistency. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

A black bowl filled with two main layers: on one side, thick white mashed potatoes with a creamy smooth texture, topped lightly with small green herb pieces, and on the other side, a rich brown beef stew with chunks of tender brown beef, whole small round light brown potatoes, thick bright orange carrot pieces, and sliced brown mushrooms in a thick brown gravy, garnished with finely chopped green herbs. A silver spoon is partly resting in the mashed potatoes on the right side, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partly visible under it photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh chopped parsley not only looks beautiful against the deep brown sauce but also adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly balances the richness of the stew.

Side Dishes

This dish naturally pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of the savory sauce. You can also serve it alongside crusty French bread for dipping, or a simple green salad to lighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dinner party presentation, serve the beef bourguignon in individual ramekins or shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra thyme and a drizzle of good olive oil. Garnish with bacon crisps for texture contrast, and watch your guests be impressed by this elegant yet cozy classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier!

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy a quick, comforting meal anytime you need.

Reheating

Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm the stew gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, so the sauce stays silky and the beef doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs if you prefer. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times based on the cut’s toughness.

Do I need to soak the wine before adding it?

No soaking necessary! Pour the red cooking wine directly into the hot skillet to deglaze and reduce. This step intensifies flavor and removes any harsh alcohol taste during cooking.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for browning and then pressure cooking for about 45 minutes. Just remember to release pressure carefully and adjust liquids as needed.

What type of red wine is best for this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

A dry red wine like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works best. Choose something you enjoy drinking, as it will directly influence the flavor of the stew.

Is it okay to substitute chicken broth with beef broth?

Definitely! Beef broth will add an even richer depth of flavor, which complements the beef beautifully if you prefer a more robust taste.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is like inviting a little French comfort into your home with minimal effort but maximum reward. The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich sauce create a harmony of flavors that feels both elegant and homey. I can’t recommend enough giving this a try—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially when you want a meal that hugs you from the inside out.