Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Beef Bourguignon is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. I still remember the first time I attempted this classic French stew I was intimidated by all the fancy cooking shows making it look so complicated! But trust me, this slow cooker version completely changed the game for our family dinners.

Henry loves when I make hearty stews, and the kids (yes, even picky Emma!) devour this one every single time. The beef becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and those mushrooms and carrots swimming in that rich, wine-infused sauce? Simply put, it’s comfort food at its absolute finest. Plus, your house will smell AMAZING while it cooks all day.

If you’re looking for more comforting slow cooker meals, you’ll want to check out my slow cooker beef stew recipe it’s another family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Bourguignon

• Incredibly tender beef that falls apart with just a fork
• Minimal hands on time the slow cooker does all the work
• Rich, complex flavors from red wine and fresh herbs
• Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
• Impressive enough for dinner parties but easy enough for weeknights
• One-pot convenience means less cleanup (my favorite part!)

Ingredients for Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this slow cooker beef bourguignon. I’ve kept the ingredient list straightforward so you can find everything at your regular grocery store.

For the base:

• 3 slices center cut bacon, chopped
• 1 ½ pounds chuck beef, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the vegetables:

• 2 ½ cups cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered
• 1 cup shallots, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 ½ cups carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup dry red wine (merlot, pinot noir, or cabernet sauvignon)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Substitution notes: If you don’t have shallots, yellow onions work perfectly. I’ve also made this with button mushrooms when cremini weren’t available, and it turned out delicious. For a gluten-free beef bourguignon, just swap regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make This Easy Beef Bourguignon

Making beef bourguignon with red wine might sound fancy, but I promise it’s straightforward. Here’s how I do it every single time.

Step 1: Cook the bacon Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to your slow cooker, and pour off most of the bacon fat (but save a little bit – you’ll need it!).

Step 2: Brown the beef Toss your beef cubes with flour, onion powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Brown the beef in two batches in that same skillet. This step is SO important for flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned on all sides, transfer the beef to the slow cooker with the bacon.

Step 3: Sauté the mushrooms and aromatics Add about a teaspoon of that reserved bacon fat back to the pan. Toss in the mushrooms with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and cook until they start to brown (about 4-5 minutes). Add your shallots and garlic, cooking until they smell amazing and turn soft. Stir in the tomato paste until everything’s well combined, then scrape it all into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the liquids and herbs Pour in the red wine and beef stock, giving everything a good stir. Lay the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs on top, then add your carrot pieces.

Step 5: Slow cook to perfection Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the sauce should be thick and luscious. Remove those herb sprigs before serving (nobody wants to bite into a whole rosemary stem!).

Beef Bourguignon Frequently Asked Questions

My Final Thoughts on This Beef Bourguignon Recipe

This slow cooker beef bourguignon has become one of our most-requested family dinners, and I think it’ll become one of yours too. There’s something special about coming home to a house filled with the aroma of red wine, herbs, and slow-cooked beef.

The beauty of this recipe is that it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for those days when you want something impressive but don’t have time to stand over the stove.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Tag me on Instagram I love seeing your cooking creations. And don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it again when you need some serious comfort food.

More Hearty Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this beef bourguignon, you’ll want to try these other comforting recipes from my kitchen:

• Best Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Another rich, creamy beef dish that’s perfect for busy nights
• Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe Italian-inspired comfort in a bowl
• Easy Amish Beef Stew Recipe Simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying

Happy cooking

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