Rustic French Comfort: Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Recipe

Mastering the art of comfort food often leads me to this delectable beef bourguignon slow cooker recipe that promises rich, tender flavors.

Hearty French cuisine meets modern convenience through a method that transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Robust red wine and aromatic herbs dance together, creating a symphony of taste that fills your kitchen with warmth.

Imagine spending minimal effort for maximum culinary satisfaction – this dish does the heavy lifting while you relax.

Classic techniques merge seamlessly with contemporary appliance magic, making complex cooking feel effortless.

Tender meat, deep burgundy sauce, and subtle vegetable nuances will transport you straight to a cozy French countryside kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this soul-warming meal.

Why You’ll Love Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Unpack Rich Flavor Layers: This beef bourguignon transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal packed with complex, robust tastes that develop slowly during cooking.
• Minimize Kitchen Effort: By using a slow cooker, you'll spend minimal time preparing ingredients and can walk away while the recipe develops its delicious profile without constant monitoring.
• Create Comfort Food Magic: This classic French-inspired dish delivers incredible warmth and hearty goodness perfect for gathering family or impressing dinner guests with minimal culinary expertise required.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like different vegetable combinations or herb variations, making it adaptable to individual preferences and pantry ingredients.

What You Need For Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Beef Chuck Roast: A tender cut perfect for slow cooking that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the overall dish.

• Garlic: Provides a deep, pungent base flavor to the stew.
• Thyme: Offers a subtle earthy and slightly minty herb note.

• Carrots, Potatoes, Mushrooms: Create a hearty and robust vegetable foundation for the dish.

• Red Wine: Provides depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor of the stew.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds richness and slight acidity to balance the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the completed dish.

Easy Steps For Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until golden and crispy. Transfer the crunchy bacon pieces directly into the slow cooker, allowing the fat to drip along with it.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Beef

Rub beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat a pan until smoking hot and sear beef on all sides, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior. Slide the browned meat into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Soy sauce
• All-purpose flour

Pour this rich sauce over the meat in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Layer Aromatic Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Chopped carrots
• Diced potatoes
• Sliced mushrooms

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low setting for 8-10 hours or on high setting for 6-8 hours. The meat will become meltingly tender and infused with deep, complex flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Ladle the hearty stew into warm bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes.

Helpful Tips For Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Optimize Meat Flavor: Pat beef dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in rich, deep flavors.
• Choose Quality Wine: Select a dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir to enhance the traditional beef bourguignon taste profile.
• Prevent Mushy Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms during the last 2-3 hours of cooking to maintain their texture and prevent overcooking.
• Layer Seasoning Strategically: Season beef with salt and pepper before searing, and use fresh thyme for a more aromatic and robust flavor throughout the dish.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and reheat gently for a more developed, intense taste.

Ways To Switch Up Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Vegetarian Beef Substitute: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or seitan chunks for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets and use turnips for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure gluten-free soy sauce for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate kalamata olives, use red wine vinegar, and add rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Best Pairings For Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a rich Burgundy or Pinot Noir that complements the deep, meaty flavors of the slow-cooked beef, enhancing the wine-based sauce's complexity.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the delectable sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Complement with Roasted Green Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans with garlic and olive oil to add a fresh, slightly crisp element that balances the hearty beef dish.

Storage Tips For Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Store leftover beef bourguignon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour leftovers into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if stew seems dry. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs About Hairy Bikers Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Why brown the bacon and beef before slow cooking?

Browning develops deep, rich flavors through caramelization and creates a more complex taste profile by sealing in the meat’s natural juices.

• Can I use a different type of wine?

Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work best. Avoid sweet wines as they can make the dish too sugary and disrupt the savory balance.

• Is soy sauce a traditional ingredient in Beef Bourguignon?

No, it’s a modern twist that adds umami depth and enhances the meat’s natural flavor, making the dish more complex and rich.

• How do I know the beef is tender and cooked perfectly?

The meat should easily pull apart with a fork and have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture after slow cooking. Cooking times ensure the beef becomes perfectly tender.

Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 6 hours 20 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef bourguignon elevates classic French comfort cuisine with rich, tender meat braised in red wine. Simmering slowly, this robust dish promises deep flavors that transport diners straight to the French countryside while satisfying your deepest culinary cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef:

• 3 pounds (3 lbs) boneless beef chuck, cubed
• 1/4 cup flour

Protein:

• 5 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 8 ounces (8 oz) mushrooms, sliced

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 5 carrots, sliced
• 1 pound (1 lb) baby potatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons thyme, chopped
• Fresh parsley

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Crisp bacon in a skillet until golden and slightly crunchy, releasing its rich, smoky essence.
2. Generously season beef chunks with salt and pepper, then sear in the same skillet until deep brown and caramelized on all surfaces.
3. Deglaze the pan with robust red wine, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Whisk together wine, beef broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and flour to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
5. Transfer the liquid mixture into the slow cooker, combining it with the seared meat and crispy bacon.
6. Add minced garlic, fragrant thyme sprigs, chunky carrot pieces, hearty potato cubes, and earthy sliced mushrooms.
7. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 8-10 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meat to become meltingly tender.
8. Once cooking is complete, let the stew rest for 10 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous note.
10. Serve piping hot in deep bowls, perfect for a comforting, rustic meal.

Notes

• Select fatty, marbled beef cuts like chuck roast or brisket for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Thoroughly pat beef dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in juices.
• Consider reducing wine quantity by half if preferring milder alcohol undertones in the final dish.
• Swap traditional beef for lamb or mushroom-based protein to create delicious vegetarian or alternative protein variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 6 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg