Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe for its rich flavors and effortless preparation.
Imagine coming home to a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making your mouth water. The best part? It practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
With minimal hands-on time, I can toss in a few ingredients, set the slow cooker, and forget about it until dinner. The beef becomes tender and infused with a delightful depth from the wine and herbs, creating a comforting meal that feels fancy yet is so simple.
Plus, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. You’ll definitely want to make this again and again!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
When it comes to cooking, having the right ingredients is key, and this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipe is no exception. The beauty of this dish lies in its hearty components, which come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. If you’re daydreaming about tender beef simmered in a luscious sauce, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 lbs cubed stew meat
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb button mushrooms, cleaned and left whole
- 1 lb white pearl onions, peeled
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Now, let’s talk about some considerations when gathering these ingredients. First off, don’t skimp on the quality of the red wine; it really elevates the dish. Choose one that you’d enjoy drinking because it’ll make a difference in flavor.
As for the beef, a good cut for stewing will yield the best results—look for something with a bit of marbling to keep it tender and juicy. And if you can find fresh herbs, go for those instead of dried! They add a lovely brightness that dried herbs can’t quite match.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Making Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is like inviting a cozy hug into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s all about comfort, warmth, and a bit of finesse. So, let’s get started on this culinary adventure.
First, grab 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. In a small bowl, mix those together. This is your secret weapon for flavor and texture, so don’t skip this step.
Now, take 2 pounds of cubed stew meat and coat it well with your flour mixture. It’s kind of like giving your beef a little spa treatment before it hits the pot.
Next, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Butter makes everything better, right? If you want to kick things up a notch, you could toss in 3 slices of bacon until they’re beautifully browned, then use that glorious fat instead of butter. Just a thought!
Once your butter is melted (or your bacon is perfection), throw in the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step is essential—it builds flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
After that, toss in 1 chopped onion, 4 sliced carrots, 1 lb of whole button mushrooms, 1 diced red pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté everything for about 5 to 10 minutes until the onion is tender and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell divine, and you might find yourself wondering why you don’t cook like this every day.
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Pour in 1 cup of red wine, add a bay leaf, 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir it all up and let those flavors get to know each other.
Once everything’s mixed, carefully transfer the contents of your skillet into the crock pot. Cover it up and let it work its magic on low for 6 to 8 hours. That’s the beauty of a slow cooker—set it and forget it.
When you return, your beef will be melt-in-your-mouth tender, swimming in a rich, savory sauce. Garnish with some more parsley and crumbled bacon, if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it with a crusty piece of French bread. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary superstar, even if you did just follow a recipe. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Substitutions & Variations
While traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a classic, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to make it your own.
For a twist, try using chicken or turkey instead of beef; it’s just as delicious! If you’re avoiding alcohol, replace the red wine with beef broth or grape juice, and add a splash of vinegar for acidity.
You can also mix up the vegetables—think parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even green beans. For a richer flavor, toss in some mushrooms or add a spoonful of tomato paste.
Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs; rosemary or oregano can add unique depth. The best part? You’ll create a dish that reflects your personal taste!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
After you’ve customized your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, you’ll want to think about what to serve alongside it to round out the meal.
I love pairing it with crusty French bread, perfect for soaking up that rich, flavorful sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast and balances the heaviness of the stew.
If you’re feeling adventurous, roasted garlic potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes can be a delightful addition, offering a comforting base.
For a wine pairing, a glass of the same red wine you used in the dish enhances the experience.
Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brings a pop of color and freshness, making your plate look as good as it tastes!
Additional Tips & Notes
When preparing your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, keep in mind a few helpful tips to enhance your dish.
First, don’t skip browning the meat; it adds depth and flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you want extra richness, adding a few slices of bacon during the sautéing step is a game-changer.
Also, use a good quality red wine—this dish truly benefits from it. For a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry in the final hour of cooking.
Lastly, let it sit for a bit before serving; the flavors meld beautifully as it cools slightly. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy every rich, comforting bite!