This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a cozy dish packed with tender beef, yummy veggies, and rich red wine. Let your slow cooker do all the work while filling your home with amazing smells!
I love how easy it is to toss everything in and forget about it. Perfect for lazy Sundays! Just serve it over some mashed potatoes or noodles, and you’ll be in comfort food heaven! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you want a leaner option, you can use sirloin, but it won’t be as rich in flavor.
Red Wine: Pinot Noir or Burgundy work well here, adding depth. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with beef broth mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Baby Potatoes: Whole baby potatoes are great for this dish, but you can use regular potatoes cut into chunks instead. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini or button mushrooms, but feel free to skip them if you’re not a fan, or use another hearty vegetable like parsnips!
How Do I Brown the Beef for Best Flavor?
Browning the beef is crucial for building flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pat the beef dry to help it brown nicely. A wet surface causes steaming rather than browning.
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear. Avoid crowding the pan, as this lowers the temperature. Brown in batches for the best results!
- Let it brown without moving it too much; this develops a nice crust. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side.
How Can I Make This Dish Even Better?
If you want to amp up the flavor, here are a couple of tips:
- Using Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme gives a lovely aromatic flavor, but you can add a sprig of rosemary for extra depth.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the flour. You can mix it with butter to create a rue before adding it.
Your Crockpot Beef Bourguignon will be hearty and full of rich flavors. Enjoy it with something to soak up that delicious sauce! 😊
Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables:
- 8 oz baby potatoes, whole
- 4 large carrots, cut into large chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, quartered
Liquids & Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
For Thickening (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Beef Bourguignon requires about 30 minutes of prep time and then cook time of 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. So it’s a perfect “set it and forget it” dish for your busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Begin by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This will help ensure a nice browning later on!
2. Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the diced onion, carrot chunks, and quartered mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Liquids:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Pour in the red wine and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits for extra flavor. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Transfer the vegetable and wine mixture to the crockpot over the beef. Now add the whole baby potatoes, fresh thyme, and bay leaves.
6. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the veggies nicely cooked when done.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, if you want a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the crockpot. Put the lid back on and cook on high for the remaining time.
8. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves. Taste the dish and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and thyme sprigs.
9. Serve:
Enjoy your hearty Beef Bourguignon hot, typically served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread for dipping into that delicious sauce!
This dish is sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can use other cuts like brisket or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you just need to omit the all-purpose flour or substitute it with a gluten-free thickener, such as cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and add it to the crockpot towards the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture when reheating.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, Beef Bourguignon freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove.
