This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a cozy French dish that’s both hearty and easy to make! With tender beef, carrots, and mushrooms simmered in a rich sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food.
The best part? You just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic. I like to serve it with some warm bread to soak up that delicious sauce—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This is the best cut for stews due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked long and slow. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with sirloin, but it won’t be as tender.
Red Wine: A good quality red wine enhances the sauce. Pinot Noir is traditional, but any dry red you enjoy drinking will work. For non-alcoholic options, use beef broth with a splash of vinegar or grape juice.
Onions: Both pearl onions and chopped onions add depth. For ease, frozen pearl onions are a great time-saver. You can replace them with shallots for a milder flavor if desired.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms give a lovely earthy flavor. Button mushrooms are fine if cremini are hard to find. For a twist, try adding some dried mushrooms; just rehydrate them in hot water first.
How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in the Crockpot?
The key to tender beef is in the cooking time and temperature. Slow-cooking allows the tough fibers in the chuck roast to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s how:
- First, make sure to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot. This creates a delicious crust and adds flavor.
- Layer the ingredients starting with meat and then the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Set your cooker on low for a longer cooking time to develop more flavor and tenderness—aim for 7-8 hours.
- Don’t peek too often while it’s cooking; each time you lift the lid, you let heat out!
After cooking, let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving. The flavors deepen and the beef relaxes to remain tender.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Vegetables:
- 4 carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
- 8 oz baby potatoes, whole or halved if large
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- For the Sauce:
- 2 cups red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 bay leaves
- For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for finishing)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Beef Bourguignon requires about 20 minutes of preparation time. Once everything is ready, you’ll need to let it cook in the crockpot for 7-8 hours on low or about 4-5 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the beginning!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, brown the beef cubes in batches. Make sure they get a nice rich crust on all sides. After browning, transfer the beef to your crockpot.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and you can smell that amazing aroma. Then, transfer these veggies to the crockpot.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Add the pearl onions, baby potatoes, and sliced mushrooms into the crockpot. Then pour in the red wine and beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and add the bay leaves. Mix everything gently to combine.
5. Cook It:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for about 4-5 hours. Your beef should become fork-tender and flavorful!
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, if you want a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot. Alternatively, you can transfer some of the cooking liquid to a pan and reduce it on the stove with butter to thicken and enrich the sauce, then return it back to the crockpot.
7. Finish and Serve:
When done, don’t forget to take out the bay leaves! Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color. Serve hot, and enjoy with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up that rich sauce.
Enjoy your comforting Crockpot Beef Bourguignon!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! While beef chuck is the ideal choice for its tenderness and rich flavor, you can use other cuts like brisket or round. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as some cuts may be more tender or tougher than chuck.
Can I Make This Dish Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional beef broth or a mixture of grape juice and a splash of vinegar for acidity. The flavor will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze Beef Bourguignon?
Yes, you can freeze it! To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and enjoy!