There’s something special about a hearty stew that simmers slowly all day — filling your kitchen with warmth and the promise of comfort. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a cozy classic: tender chunks of beef, carrots, onions, and mushrooms gently cooked in a rich, savory sauce until they practically melt in your mouth.
Traditionally, beef bourguignon is made on the stovetop or in the oven, simmering for hours. But this slow cooker version delivers the same rich, deep flavor with minimal effort. Just set it, forget it, and come home to a warm, hearty meal that feels like it came straight from a cozy countryside bistro.
If you’ve enjoyed dishes like Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, you’re going to love this comforting, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
1. Restaurant-worthy flavor at home
Rich, velvety sauce, tender beef, and aromatic vegetables — it’s the kind of meal you’d expect at a French restaurant, but so easy to make in your slow cooker.
2. Effortless and hands-free
A little prep in the morning, and by dinner, you have an impressive, full-bodied meal that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!).
3. Perfect for special occasions
Whether it’s date night, Sunday dinner, or the holidays, this dish adds a touch of sophistication without the stress.
4. Affordable comfort food
Made with budget-friendly stew beef and simple vegetables, this meal proves that elegance doesn’t have to be expensive.
5. Freezer and make-ahead friendly
Like most stews, Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, thickly sliced
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, halved
- 1 cup pearl onions (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with flour and toss to coat evenly — this will help the sauce thicken later.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned on all sides. Transfer browned pieces to your slow cooker.
(Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — browning adds deep, savory flavor to the stew.)
Step 3: Cook bacon and vegetables
In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, then stir in garlic, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Create the sauce
Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the hot pan to deglaze, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and the remaining broth.
Pour this rich sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add thyme and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Few meals are as satisfying as a bowl of rich, slow-cooked beef stew. This dish is cozy enough for cold evenings and elegant enough for dinner guests.
Here are my favorite serving ideas:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they’re the perfect base for soaking up that flavorful sauce.
- Buttered egg noodles: Simple and comforting.
- Rice or couscous: Ideal for lighter meals that still feel hearty.
- Crusty bread: For mopping up every drop of that velvety sauce.
To round out your meal, add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
For a quicker beef dinner with bold flavor, check out my Chinese Beef and Broccoli — it’s ready in under 30 minutes but just as satisfying.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
This dish stores like a dream — perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
To refrigerate:
Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze:
Freeze in portioned freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Lay flat to save space.
To reheat:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
This stew only gets better after a day or two, as the flavors continue to deepen.
For another comforting meal that reheats beautifully, try my Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein — a flavorful one-pot favorite.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Choose the right beef:
Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender. - Brown your beef:
Don’t skip this step — it adds layers of flavor you can’t get otherwise. - Balance the flavors:
The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness perfectly. - Use fresh herbs:
Thyme and parsley brighten up the earthy flavors. - Add mushrooms later (optional):
For firmer mushrooms, stir them in during the last 2 hours of cooking. - Make it a one-pot meal:
Add potatoes or turnips directly into the slow cooker if you want to skip side dishes.
Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Classic French Style: Keep it simple with broth, tomato paste, and plenty of herbs.
- Smoky Twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle paste for depth.
- Root Vegetable Version: Include parsnips, potatoes, or turnips for extra heartiness.
- Mushroom Lovers’ Version: Double the mushrooms and use shallots instead of onions.
- Lighter Option: Skip the bacon and reduce oil for a leaner version.
- Instant Pot Shortcut: Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then natural release.
FAQs
1. What can I substitute for wine?
Use a mix of beef broth and balsamic vinegar — it gives the sauce richness and tang without any alcohol.
2. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Brisket or stewing beef also work beautifully.
3. Why is my beef tough?
It likely needs more time. Continue cooking until it’s fork-tender.
4. Can I add potatoes directly to the slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add chopped potatoes for a one-pot meal.
5. How do I thicken the sauce naturally?
Dusting beef with flour before searing helps the sauce thicken as it cooks.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is pure comfort in a bowl — tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply savory sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours (because it has).
It’s the kind of recipe that makes ordinary dinners feel special, with minimal work and maximum flavor.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Classic French Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with tender beef, vegetables, and red wine sauce. Comforting and elegant made easy.
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, halved
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Brown beef in olive oil; transfer to slow cooker.
2. Cook bacon and vegetables; add to cooker.
3. Deglaze pan with red wine, stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Add broth, thyme, and bay leaves; cover and cook low 8–9 hours or high 5–6 hours.
5. Thicken sauce if desired, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Use a good red wine like Pinot Noir for best flavor.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg