Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Thank you for being here — truly. Every time you read, cook, and share one of my recipes, it reminds me why I love doing this so much. Today, I’m sharing one of those dishes that feels like it should only be served in a candlelit French bistro… yet it’s made right in your slow cooker: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.

This is French comfort food at its finest — tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, nestled in a velvety red wine sauce with earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy when you let the slow cooker do the hard work.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

• Hands-off elegance – Feels fancy but takes minimal active time.
• Deep, layered flavor – Slow cooking allows the wine, broth, and herbs to mingle into magic.
• Perfect for entertaining – Impressive enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.
• Make-ahead friendly – Gets even better after a night in the fridge.

What Does Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Taste Like?

Imagine fork-tender chunks of beef infused with the richness of red wine and beef broth, balanced by the sweetness of carrots and the savory earthiness of mushrooms. The sauce is glossy, silky, and deep with flavor — the kind you want to mop up with crusty bread until the plate is clean.

The aroma while it cooks? Absolute heaven. It’s like a promise of a slow, comforting dinner at the end of a busy day.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Effortless slow cooking means more free time.
• Affordable elegance – Uses humble beef chuck but transforms it into something luxurious.
• One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup after a hearty, satisfying dinner.
• Scalable – Works for both intimate dinners and big gatherings.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

• 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 cups pearl onions (or peeled small onions)
• 4 carrots, sliced into thick chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups dry red wine (like Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb mushrooms, halved or quartered
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or Dutch oven for browning
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Slow cooker (6-quart capacity)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board & knife

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Wine-free option – Replace wine with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Mushrooms – Use cremini, button, or a mix for depth of flavor.
• Herbs – Fresh rosemary or oregano can complement or replace thyme.
• Pearl onions – Regular onions cut into wedges work if pearl onions aren’t available.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Brown the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Season beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef in the bacon drippings until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor — don’t skip it! Transfer beef to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add carrots, pearl onions, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour the red wine into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom (this is pure flavor!). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Add the cooked bacon, vegetables, and wine mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook:

• Low: 8–10 hours
• High: 5–6 hours
  The beef should be fall-apart tender.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk flour with a small amount of the hot broth until smooth. Stir back into the slow cooker, cover, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

• Creamy mashed potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Buttered egg noodles – A traditional pairing.
• Crusty French bread – To mop up every last drop.
• Green beans almondine – A fresh, crisp side to balance the richness.

Tips for the Best Beef Bourguignon

• Choose the right wine – A good-quality dry red makes a difference.
• Don’t skip browning – It builds deep, complex flavor.
• Cook low and slow – The longer, gentler heat makes the beef ultra tender.
• Make ahead – The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for entertaining.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without wine?
Yes — replace with more beef broth and a little balsamic vinegar for richness.

What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck is ideal — it’s affordable and becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for about 40 minutes with a natural release.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is proof that elegant, restaurant-worthy meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a little prep and a lot of slow-simmered magic, you’ll have a dish that’s rich, comforting, and full of French charm. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers every time.

It’s the kind of meal that makes people linger at the table… and maybe even ask for thirds.

More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes

• Crockpot Taco Casserole
• Crockpot Taco Pasta
• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  

If you make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, I’d love to see your masterpiece! Share it on Pinterest or tag me on social media so we can all drool together.a

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