Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a comforting and classic French stew featuring tender chunks of beef chuck slow-cooked with mushrooms, carrots, onions, and a rich red wine sauce. The long, slow cooking process enhances the deep, savory flavors while requiring minimal hands-on effort, making it a perfect hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, halved
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Thickening and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef cubes into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, halved mushrooms, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Pour in the dry red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Then sprinkle in the dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well developed.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 20 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for the remaining 20 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the beef bourguignon hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor significantly.
- For a more traditional touch, substitute chopped small pearl onions for the regular onion.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
