Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

Introduction

Beef Bourguignon, or Beef Burgundy, is a classic French dish that embodies comfort, elegance, and deep flavor. Traditionally, it’s a slow-simmered stew made with tender beef, aromatic vegetables, red wine, and fresh herbs, creating a rich, luxurious sauce that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy nights at home.

Using a crockpot, this dish becomes much more approachable without losing any of its authentic French charm. The slow cooker gently tenderizes the beef while infusing it with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, carrots, onions, and a robust red wine sauce. The result is a restaurant-quality French stew with minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy an elegant, hearty meal with ease.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Hands-off gourmet cooking: Just prep and let the crockpot do the work.
• Deep, complex flavors: Slow-cooked beef and vegetables absorb the wine and herbs for a richly layered taste.
• Perfectly tender beef: The long, slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Comforting and elegant: Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly: Flavors deepen overnight, and leftovers taste even better.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a must-try because it brings the elegance of classic French cuisine into your home in an effortless way. Traditionally, this dish requires hours of careful stove-top cooking, but the slow cooker transforms it into a set-it-and-forget-it gourmet meal without compromising flavor or texture.

Here’s why you should make it:

1. Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Slow cooking allows the beef to absorb all the wine, broth, and herbs, resulting in a deeply flavorful, fork-tender texture.
2. Rich, Complex Flavor: The combination of red wine, tomato paste, garlic, and aromatic vegetables develops into a sauce that’s both luxurious and comforting.
3. Comfort Meets Elegance: It’s hearty enough for a cozy weeknight, yet elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party.
4. Minimal Hands-On Time: Unlike traditional methods, the crockpot requires just a little prep, leaving hours for you to relax or focus on other tasks.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high
• Total Time: 8–8½ hours
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories (approx): 450 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

For the Beef Bourguignon:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups mushrooms, quartered
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir recommended)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp flour (for dredging beef)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty French bread

Cooking Directions

1. Dredge Beef: Toss beef cubes lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Sear Beef (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown beef cubes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to crockpot.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms for 3–4 minutes. Transfer to crockpot.
4. Add Liquids & Herbs: Stir in tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Slow Cook:
   • Low: 8 hours
   • High: 5 hours
6. Check for Tenderness: Beef should be fork-tender. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve: Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cut beef into cubes and dredge in flour.
2. (Optional) Sear beef for extra flavor.
3. Prepare vegetables: onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms.
4. Sauté vegetables briefly to release aroma.
5. Layer beef and vegetables in crockpot.
6. Mix in tomato paste, wine, broth, and herbs.
7. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.
8. Check tenderness, adjust seasoning, and serve.

How to Serve

• Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the rich sauce.
• Pair with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple salad.
• Offer crusty French bread to mop up the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Searing beef is optional but adds depth of flavor.
• Use a full-bodied red wine for richness, but not overly sweet.
• Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• For thicker sauce, remove lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Flavors deepen when stored overnight—great for make-ahead meals.

Variations

• Slow Cooker Coq au Vin: Substitute beef with chicken and add pearl onions.
• Vegetable Bourguignon: Replace beef with hearty vegetables (like eggplant and mushrooms) for a vegetarian version.
• Bacon-Infused: Add chopped bacon at the beginning for extra smokiness.
• Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream just before serving for a richer sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently on stove or in crockpot; add a splash of beef broth if sauce is thickened.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Large skillet for searing beef and sautéing vegetables (optional)
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Cutting board and sharp knife

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this without wine?
Yes, substitute an equal amount of beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Q2: Can I use stew meat instead of chuck roast?
Yes, but chuck roast provides the best tenderness and flavor.

Q3: Can I cook this on high for shorter time?
Yes, 5 hours on high works, but low and slow enhances flavor and tenderness.

Q4: Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes, mix 1–2 tsp cornstarch with water and stir in 15–20 minutes before serving.

Q5: Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight; cook the next day.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a luxurious, comforting dish that brings French elegance to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The beef becomes tender, the vegetables perfectly cooked, and the wine-based sauce rich and flavorful. Ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or make-ahead meals, this slow-cooked classic proves that gourmet French cooking can be approachable, convenient, and utterly delicious.