This Easy Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon is a warm and cozy dish that makes the perfect comfort food. Tender beef, rich red wine, and hearty veggies all come together in a slow cooker.
The best part? You just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This is ideal for slow cooking because it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with beef sirloin or stew meat, but keep in mind it might not be as rich.
Red Wine: A good red wine like Pinot Noir adds depth to the dish. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, use extra beef broth or a mix of broth and grape juice for a similar taste, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Mushrooms: Baby mushrooms add a great texture and flavor. You can swap them for other mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms, or leave them out entirely if you’re not a fan.
Tomato Paste: This helps deepen the flavor. In a pinch, you can use crushed tomatoes or simply omit it, though you may lose some richness.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is preferred for its fragrance. If you use dried thyme, remember to reduce the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender beef in this dish is all in the cooking process. Browning the beef in batches gives it a great crust and helps develop flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Heat the skillet well before adding the beef to get a nice sear.
- Let the beef sit without stirring for about 3 minutes to get a good browning.
- After searing, make sure to scrape up any bits left in the skillet when adding the wine. These bits carry lots of flavors.
Slow cooking is essential for tenderness. Choose the low setting for a longer cook, and your beef will be fall-apart tender. Enjoy every bite!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Vegetables:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 12 oz baby mushrooms, cleaned and left whole or halved if large
- 1 lb small pearl onions, peeled (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beef Bourguignon takes about 20 minutes for preparation and then needs to cook for 7 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Make sure to give it that quality time in the crock pot for the best flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Beef:
Start by generously seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until they are nicely browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to your crock pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions have softened. Then, add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute just to combine the flavors.
3. Add the Wine:
Pour in the red wine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce a bit before transferring this mixture to the crock pot with the beef.
4. Combine Everything:
Now in the crock pot, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, bay leaves, mushrooms, and pearl onions (if you are using them). Stir everything together to ensure it is well mixed.
5. Slow Cooking:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
6. Thicken the Sauce (If Desired):
If you like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crock pot and cook on high with the lid off until it thickens.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, make sure to remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your easy, slow-cooked Beef Bourguignon hot, paired with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a delicious meal!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, while chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, you can also use beef brisket or round. Just remember that the texture and flavor may vary slightly, and cooking times might differ.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine?
No problem! You can substitute the wine with an equal amount of beef broth or a mix of broth and grape juice or a little vinegar to maintain some acidity. Just be aware that the flavor will be milder without wine.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and let it cool completely, then transfer it to the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them in portions; they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
