What Makes Beef Bourguignon Special?
Beef bourguignon is a classic French-inspired stew known for its rich sauce and slow-cooked tenderness. It is similar to a traditional beef stew but usually has deeper flavor thanks to ingredients like herbs, broth, and cooking wine that simmer together for hours.
The long cooking time allows the meat to become incredibly soft while the vegetables absorb the savory sauce. The result is a dish that feels both homestyle and gourmet at the same time.
Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker Version
This recipe focuses on convenience without sacrificing taste. A quick sear at the beginning adds depth, then the slow cooker handles the rest of the work.
Top reasons readers enjoy this meal:
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Deep, slow-developed flavor
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Tender chunks of beef that fall apart easily
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Thick, hearty sauce packed with vegetables
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Minimal hands-on cooking time
It is also a great make-ahead recipe since the flavors continue to improve as it rests.
Ingredients You Need
To build a rich and balanced stew, you will want a mix of protein, vegetables, and seasoning ingredients.
Main ingredients include:
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Beef chuck or stew meat
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Bacon for added richness
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Cooking wine or broth for depth
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Garlic and thyme for aroma
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Carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms for hearty texture
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Flour or starch to thicken the sauce
Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor while the slow cooker gently blends everything together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
1. Sear for Extra Flavor
Start by cooking bacon in a skillet. Then quickly brown the beef pieces in the same pan. This step helps lock in flavor and creates a richer sauce later.
2. Build the Sauce
Deglaze the pan with cooking liquid and whisk in broth, seasonings, and thickening ingredients. This captures all the flavorful bits from searing.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Transfer everything into the slow cooker with vegetables and herbs. Cook on low for several hours until the beef becomes fork-tender and the sauce thickens naturally.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
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Browning the beef first adds deeper flavor to the final dish.
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Cutting vegetables into larger pieces helps them hold their shape during long cooking.
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A splash of cooking wine enhances richness, but broth can be used instead if preferred.
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Let the stew rest before serving so the flavors fully settle.
Serving Ideas
This comforting meal pairs well with simple sides that soak up the sauce.
Try serving it with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Rustic bread or rolls
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Buttered noodles or rice
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A fresh green salad
The balance between rich stew and lighter sides creates a complete, satisfying dinner.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores.
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Keep leftovers refrigerated for several days in an airtight container.
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Freeze portions for quick future meals.
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Reheat slowly to maintain tenderness and texture.
Many people find the flavor becomes even better the next day as the ingredients continue to blend together.
