There’s something about beef bourguignon that makes you feel like you’re cheating a little. Here’s this dish with a name so fancy you almost need to practice saying it in the mirror, yet it comes together in your slow cooker while you get on with life. This version fits right into the world of comfort crockpot meals, and it’s hearty enough to make even the pickiest eater pause, fork in hand, and nod in approval. I love how this recipe leans on rich flavors without making you hover over the stove. It takes all the depth of crockpot beef recipes slow cooker fans swear by, and it layers in tender beef, fragrant vegetables, and a sauce that begs for bread on the side. It’s like bringing a little French charm into your kitchen without booking a flight. I’ve cooked plenty of beef crock pot recipes over the years, from tenderloin recipes crockpot style to simple crock pot inspired beef recipes, but this one always feels special. It’s one of those crockpot meals beef lovers will ask you to make again and again. And honestly, when a recipe makes your house smell this good, why wouldn’t you?

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
4) How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
6) Making Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This slow cooker beef bourguignon fits right into comfort crockpot meals and tastes rich without the fuss.
Beef chuck becomes tender after slow cooking in red wine, broth, and herbs.
Mushrooms, carrots, and bacon give depth and make it hearty enough to stand alone.
Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

2) Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

I’ll admit it, beef bourguignon always sounded like something I’d only order in a fancy restaurant. The name rolls off the tongue with more flair than I usually have in my kitchen. But here’s the twist: when you tuck it into your slow cooker, it becomes one of those comfort crockpot meals that practically cooks itself. Two mentions of that phrase in one paragraph, and I still don’t think I’ve stressed enough how much joy it brings when dinner makes itself.

What you get is tender beef that melts into the sauce, carrots that keep their bite but drink in all the flavor, and a broth kissed with red wine that’s so good you’ll consider it a food group. I’ve tested plenty of crock pot recipes beef lovers adore, and this one lands in that sweet spot where elegance meets lazy day cooking. Nothing against pizza delivery, but when your house smells like this stew, you’ll never regret the extra twenty minutes of prep in the morning.

Whether you’re hosting or just feeding yourself after a long day, it’s one of those beef crock pot recipes that doubles as comfort food and a conversation starter. Guests tend to lean back, smile, and say, “Wow.” That’s when you just nod like you didn’t spend most of the day folding laundry while the beef simmered away.

3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Beef Chuck: Cut into large chunks, this is the cut that loves long, slow cooking. It soaks up flavor and falls apart tenderly.

Bacon: Crisped first, it adds a smoky backdrop that makes the stew taste more layered. The little pieces practically disappear, leaving behind pure flavor.

Carrots: Sweet slices that balance the richness of the beef and wine. They stay tender but not mushy after hours in the pot.

Onion: Diced and softened, it gives the base of flavor depth and sweetness. When it melds into the sauce, you barely notice it’s there, but you’d miss it if it weren’t.

Garlic: Four cloves minced for a background of warmth. Garlic always makes a dish feel grounded and homely.

Red Wine: Choose something you’d actually drink. It reduces into the sauce and gives the whole dish its French edge.

Beef Broth: Complements the wine and balances the sauce, adding a savory punch that helps every other ingredient shine.

Tomato Paste: Just two spoonfuls add a subtle tang and round out the sauce. It makes the beef taste even beefier.

Thyme and Bay Leaves: Dried thyme and two bay leaves simmer into the background, adding that earthy, herbal note that makes the dish feel complete.

Mushrooms: Halved and stirred in near the end. They drink up the sauce and give you something hearty in every bite.

Salt and Black Pepper: Adjust as you go. This dish rewards tasting along the way.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped and scattered over the top before serving, it brightens the whole dish.

4) How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1. Toss the beef chunks in flour, salt, and pepper. This helps the meat brown better and thickens the sauce as it cooks.

Step 2. Fry the bacon until crisp. Keep the drippings because they’re liquid gold for the next step.

Step 3. Brown the beef in batches. Don’t crowd the pan or you’ll steam instead of sear. Each browned piece adds depth to the final flavor.

Step 4. Sauté carrots, onion, and garlic in the same pan. Scrape up the bits at the bottom—they’re flavor bombs.

Step 5. Pour in red wine. Let it bubble while you scrape up the browned bits. This is where the sauce starts to feel like magic.

Step 6. Transfer everything into the slow cooker. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover it and set the dial to low.

Step 7. Cook for 7 to 8 hours. By the end, the beef should be fork tender.

Step 8. In the last hour, toss in the mushrooms. They’ll soak in the sauce without getting rubbery.

Step 9. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Step 10. Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or bread. Pause for applause at the table.

5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

I’ve tried this dish on busy weekdays and lazy Sundays, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. First, always give the beef a good browning. Don’t rush it. Those dark, crusty edges add layers of flavor that make the stew sing. Second, if you don’t want to use wine, just add more broth. It won’t taste quite the same, but it will still land in the family of crockpot beef recipes slow cooker fans can enjoy without fuss.

I also like to chop the veggies chunky. That way, after hours in the pot, they still give you something to chew on. And if you want a thicker sauce, stir in a spoonful of flour mixed with water near the end. It works like a charm.

Lastly, serve it with something to mop up the sauce. Bread, mashed potatoes, even rice works. Comfort crockpot meals deserve the proper stage, and this one comes alive with the right sidekick.

6) Making Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Ahead of Time

This dish is a make-ahead dream. In fact, it almost tastes better the next day when the flavors deepen. You can cook it a day early, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker before serving.

Sometimes I’ll prep everything the night before. I’ll chop veggies, measure out wine and broth, and tuck it all in the fridge. Then in the morning, it’s just a matter of searing the beef and tossing everything together. Ten minutes of effort and your slow cooker does the rest.

It’s right up there with tenderloin recipes crockpot lovers appreciate for its ease. Comfort crockpot meals aren’t just about flavor—they’re about saving your sanity when you need dinner to be waiting instead of demanding.

7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Leftovers rarely last long in my house, but when they do, I tuck them into airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for three to four days, and the flavor just gets richer as it sits. If you want to stretch it further, freeze portions for up to three months.

When reheating, go low and slow. A gentle simmer keeps the beef tender. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

I’ve also spooned leftovers over egg noodles or rice for an easy second meal. That’s the joy of beef crock pot recipes—they stretch, they adapt, and they keep dinner interesting even when you’re reheating.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon