Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Bourguignon (Slow Cooker!)

Introduction

Transform humble beef stew into a restaurant-quality Beef Bourguignon with this slow cooker recipe! It’s surprisingly easy and perfect for a chilly evening, leaving your kitchen smelling amazing while you relax. Get ready for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a rich, flavorful sauce—a comforting classic the whole family will adore!

Why This Works

This slow cooker Beef Bourguignon is a winner because it lets the magic of low and slow cooking do all the work. The beef becomes incredibly tender, the flavors deepen and meld beautifully, and you get to enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that tastes like a special occasion!

Key Ingredients

🥩 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🥓 4 slices bacon, diced
🥕 2 large carrots, chopped
🍄 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🍷 1 cup dry red wine (Burgundy is traditional!)
🥣 1 cup beef broth
🍅 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
🌿 2 tbsp tomato paste
🌿 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
🌿 1 tsp dried thyme
🌿 1 tsp dried rosemary
🌿 1 bay leaf
🥔 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large

Instructions

1️⃣ In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving bacon grease in the skillet.
2️⃣ Add beef cubes to the skillet and brown on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
3️⃣ Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add carrots and mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4️⃣ Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5️⃣ Gradually whisk in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
6️⃣ Return beef to the skillet. Pour everything into your slow cooker.
7️⃣ Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until beef is very tender.
8️⃣ About 30 minutes before serving, add potatoes to the slow cooker.
9️⃣ Stir in the reserved crispy bacon.
🔟 Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Handy Tips

• Use a good quality beef stew meat for the best results.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
• If you don’t have dry red wine, you can substitute with beef broth, but the wine adds a lot of depth of flavor.
• For richer flavor, use bone-in beef shanks. Just increase cooking time.

Heat Control

Low and slow is key! The slow cooker’s gentle heat allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together perfectly. High heat will result in tough beef and a less flavorful sauce.

Crunch Factor

The crispy bacon adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender beef and soft vegetables. The potatoes will also offer a nice, slightly firm bite.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For extra depth of flavor, sear the beef in batches to ensure a good browning.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost.
• If you like a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water before adding the potatoes and stir it in.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This makes a wonderful gift! Package individual servings in attractive containers, adding a handwritten tag with the recipe. You could also make a big batch and gift it in a beautiful slow cooker liner.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Bourguignon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Include other types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
🌟 Hearty Bourguignon: Add pearl onions and parsnips along with the carrots and potatoes.
🌟 Herby Bourguignon: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives.

Troubleshooting

• Tough Beef: If the beef is still tough after cooking, it may need more time in the slow cooker.
• Thin Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a while to reduce it. You can also thicken it using cornstarch as mentioned above.
• Burnt Slow Cooker: Always ensure the slow cooker is filled with enough liquid to prevent burning.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen beef? Yes, but you may need to add a bit more cooking time.
• Can I make this in a regular pot? Yes, but you’ll need to simmer it on the stovetop for several hours, checking occasionally and stirring to prevent sticking.
• Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes, russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes will all work well.
• What kind of red wine is best? A dry red wine with earthy notes like Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot works well.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it in the slow cooker the night before and cook it the next day.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is comfort food at its finest! It’s a delicious and impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations on RateMyRecipes.com – we can’t wait to see your pictures!