This easy Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon is a warm and hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. With tender beef, mushrooms, and carrots, it’s like a hug in a bowl!
What I love most is how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Plus, the house smells amazing while it cooks. Who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes super tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use brisket or round roast, but chuck is my favorite for that rich flavor.
Red Wine: For the best taste, choose a nice Burgundy or Pinot Noir. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider using beef broth with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Mushrooms: I like using cremini mushrooms for their deep flavor, but white button mushrooms work well, too. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them or add extra carrots instead.
All-Purpose Flour: If you want to keep it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead to thicken the sauce; just mix it with water first.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Bourguignon is Tender and Flavorful?
To make your beef super tender, browning it first is key. This adds depth of flavor to your dish. Here are some helpful tips:
- Don’t crowd the pan when browning; do it in batches if needed. This will give you a nice crust.
- Deglazing the pan with wine is important—scrape those brown bits! They add so much flavor.
- Let it cook low and slow. The longer, the better! It gives the flavors time to meld.
If you want to thicken the sauce, removing some liquid to mix with flour can help achieve that rich texture without clumping.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, halved or quartered
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon takes approximately 20 minutes of prep time, followed by 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high to cook. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy by the end of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. This step is key to adding depth of flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes softened, around 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, which will enhance the sauce with a rich flavor.
5. Deglaze with Red Wine:
Pour in the red wine and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (these bits hold tons of flavor!). Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, then transfer it to the crock pot.
6. Add the Vegetables & Liquid:
To the crock pot, add the sliced carrots, halved mushrooms, beef broth, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine.
7. Slow Cook:
Cover your crock pot and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is very tender and melts in your mouth.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove about ½ cup of the cooking liquid and mix it with the flour until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the crock pot along with the butter. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste your dish, and add more salt and pepper if needed to suit your taste.
10. Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or some crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce!
Enjoy your flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon—it’s sure to warm your heart and feed your soul!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh beef for optimal browning and flavor, you can use frozen beef. Just make sure to thaw it completely first. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results, or you can use the defrost function on your microwave if you’re short on time.
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine?
If you’d prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the red wine with an equal amount of beef broth mixed with a splash of vinegar (like red wine vinegar) for a bit of acidity. This will help mimic the depth of flavor that wine adds to the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this dish with other veggies like potatoes, parsnips, or even peas. Just keep in mind that adding larger, denser vegetables may require adjusting the cooking time slightly.
