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If you are looking for the ultimate dish to warm your soul and impress your guests with deep, rich flavors, the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic French-inspired stew transforms humble ingredients into a luscious feast, slow-cooked to tender perfection. The tender beef cubes infused with savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and sweet carrots bathed in a velvety red wine substitute sauce create a hearty, satisfying meal that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy weekend gathering or simply a comforting night in that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe are delightfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Every item plays an important role, from the tender beef chuck adding richness and depth, to the fresh herbs infusing aromatic warmth, and the vegetables lending sweetness and body to the dish.
- Beef Chuck Roast: Cut into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes, this cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Cut into lardons to add smoky, crispy richness throughout the stew.
- Non-Alcoholic Red Wine Substitute: A blend of beef broth with unsweetened cranberry or grape juice adds that signature depth without the alcohol.
- Pearl Onions: Small and sweet, they soften beautifully and lend a subtle bite.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button varieties provide earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Carrots: Sliced into thick rounds or chunks to add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant, savory undertone that permeates the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated umami punch and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Beef Broth (Low Sodium): Enhances the stew’s richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to lightly coat the beef cubes, creating a beautiful crust and helping to thicken the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme and bay leaf infuse the stew with herbal goodness and complexity.
- Potatoes (Optional): Diced waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds add satisfying body and soak up the flavors of the stew.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef
Begin by patting your beef chuck cubes completely dry using paper towels—this step is crucial to get a nice sear later on. Generously season each cube with salt and freshly ground black pepper, which brings out the meat’s deep, natural flavors. Meanwhile, cut the thick-cut bacon into lardons and prepare your vegetables by roughly chopping onions and slicing carrots into thick pieces. Mince the garlic to release its wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook your bacon pieces until they turn golden and crispy, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Don’t discard the bacon fat left behind—it will become the foundation for the beef’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Beef Cubes
Turn the heat up to medium-high. Lightly coat the beef cubes with all-purpose flour, then add them in batches to the hot bacon fat. Sear every side until each cube develops a beautiful brown crust, locking in juices and adding complexity to the stew’s flavor. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker to await the next steps.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and toss in your chopped onions and sliced carrots. Let them soften for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. Then add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance. Stir in the tomato paste and cook it out for 1 to 2 minutes; this deepens the stew’s richness and thickens the sauce slightly.
Step 5: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in your non-alcoholic red wine substitute, scraping the skillet bottom to loosen any delicious browned bits stuck there—these add incredible flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then stir in the beef broth along with fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf, which infuse fine herbal notes throughout the cooking process.
Step 6: Combine and Slow Cook
Carefully pour the entire skillet mixture over the seared beef cubes in your slow cooker. Gently stir everything together so that the beef is coated in that luscious sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking transforms the beef chuck into meltingly tender bites bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Add the Final Vegetables
About 1 to 1.5 hours before you plan to eat, add in the pearl onions and mushrooms—these ingredients soften further and absorb the stew’s amazing flavors. If you like, toss in diced waxy potatoes at this point as well; they’ll cook through nicely and soak in the sauce’s goodness during the final hour.
Step 8: Final Touches
Before serving, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf to keep the flavors fresh. Taste your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the hot stew, cooking on high for another 15 to 30 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Serve piping hot, garnished with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the reserved crispy bacon on top gives a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef and vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are perfect to soak up the stew’s luscious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving with crusty artisan bread or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, charming presentation, serve your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe in individual ramekins or rustic bowls with a sprig of thyme on top. Alternatively, make it the centerpiece of a French-inspired dinner by plating over polenta or accompanied by a bright side salad with a sharp vinaigrette to refresh the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This beef bourguignon gets even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain the tender texture and avoid drying out the meat.
Freezing
Freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the stew completely before freezing. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating
Slowly reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwave reheating unless you’re in a pinch, and stir frequently to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular red wine instead of the non-alcoholic substitute?
Absolutely! If you prefer traditional beef bourguignon, feel free to use dry red wine. Just keep in mind the alcohol will simmer down but leave a richer, deeper flavor. Using a non-alcoholic substitute offers a family-friendly alternative without compromising taste.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Beef chuck roast is perfect due to its balance of meat and connective tissue. The slow cooking breaks down the collagen into gelatin, making the beef tender and succulent. Avoid leaner cuts as they can become dry and stringy.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for searing and sautéing steps, then pressure cooking on high for about 45 minutes. Natural release will help tenderize the beef just as well.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?
While you can skip browning, it adds incredible depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the beef which elevates the dish significantly. It’s well worth the extra few minutes for that caramelized richness.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery after cooking?
Make a slurry from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the hot stew. Cook on high for 15-30 minutes until the sauce thickens. You can also reduce the sauce by uncovering the slow cooker and simmering a bit longer if you have time.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with unmatched flavor and comforting textures. It’s an ideal recipe to turn your weekend into a cozy celebration of great food and company. Dive in, savor every bite, and let this delicious stew become a cherished staple in your kitchen rotation.
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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Weekend Comfort Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the ultimate comfort food perfect for a weekend meal. Tender beef chuck cubes are slowly cooked with bacon, pearl onions, mushrooms, carrots, and a rich non-alcoholic red wine substitute, creating a flavorful and hearty stew that’s easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes
- 6 oz Thick-Cut Bacon, cut into lardons
- 3 cups Non-Alcoholic Red Wine Substitute (or beef broth combined with 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry or grape juice)
- 20 Pearl Onions, peeled
- 10 oz Mushrooms (Cremini or Button), quartered or halved
- 3 large Carrots, sliced into thick rounds or chunks
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Low Sodium Beef Broth
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Optional: 2 cups diced Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cut bacon into lardons, roughly chop onions, slice carrots into thick chunks, and mince garlic.
- Cook Bacon: In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sear Beef: Increase heat to medium-high. Toss beef cubes in flour to coat evenly. Working in batches, sear beef cubes in the hot bacon fat until browned on all sides. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute, then add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Deglaze and Combine Liquids: Pour in non-alcoholic red wine substitute (or beef broth/juice mixture) and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer. Stir in beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour skillet contents over the seared beef in the slow cooker and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef is very tender.
- Add Vegetables: About 1 to 1.5 hours before serving, add pearl onions, mushrooms, and optional diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Finish and Adjust: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional Thickening: To thicken, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir into stew and cook on high for 15-30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with reserved crispy bacon and fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Using a non-alcoholic red wine substitute maintains the rich flavor while keeping the dish alcohol-free.
- For best texture, do not add pearl onions, mushrooms, or potatoes at the beginning to prevent them from overcooking.
- You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with any waxy potato variety for the best consistency.
- Make sure to dry the beef well before searing to achieve a brown crust and richer flavor.
- The optional slurry helps thicken the sauce without changing the flavor profile.
