Close your eyes and imagine: tender morsels of beef, slow-braised in deep red wine, nestled with pearl onions, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs until the sauce turns velvety and intoxicating.
This is Beef Bourguignon — the jewel of Burgundy’s rustic kitchens, where humble ingredients transform into something deeply luxurious through patience and care.
And now, thanks to your slow cooker, this legendary French stew is within reach even on your busiest days. No hours spent tending a simmering pot. No fuss. Just layer, set, and let time do the rest.
By dinner, your kitchen will smell like a Parisian bistro, and your table will hold a meal that feels both gourmet and soul-warming.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Authentic flavor, simplified — all the classic French richness, no stress.
✅ Hands-off cooking — perfect for weeknights, holidays, or hosting.
✅ Affordable ingredients — chuck roast transforms beautifully with slow cooking.
✅ Make-ahead perfection — flavors deepen overnight.
✅ Naturally gluten-free option — easy swaps available.
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes (fat trimmed)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (Pinot Noir, Burgundy, or Côtes du Rhône)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, halved
- 1 cup frozen pearl onions (or peeled fresh)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for browning
🍷 Wine Note:
Use a wine you’d actually drink — skip “cooking wine.”
No alcohol? Substitute with 2 cups beef broth + 2 tbsp red wine vinegar + 1 tbsp grape juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Bacon and Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Pat beef dry (this ensures a good sear) and season with salt and pepper. Sear the cubes in batches until deeply browned — about 3–4 minutes per side. Add olive oil as needed.
Transfer browned beef and bacon to your slow cooker.
💡 Browning is the secret to rich, restaurant-quality flavor. Don’t skip it!
2. Build the Flavor Base
Add chopped onion and carrots to the same skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in tomato paste and garlic; cook 1 minute more.
Pour in ½ cup of red wine, scraping up the browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Then pour everything — liquid and all — into your slow cooker with the beef mixture.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Add the remaining wine, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
Hold off on adding mushrooms and pearl onions for now!
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cook until the beef is fall-apart tender and the sauce is dark and rich.
4. Add the Vegetables
In the final 30–45 minutes, stir in mushrooms and pearl onions.
This timing keeps them tender but intact — no mushy veggies here.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Remove the bay leaves.
If you want a thicker, silkier sauce:
Mix 2 tbsp flour + 3 tbsp cold water into a slurry, then stir into the stew.
Cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes more.
(Use cornstarch for a gluten-free version.)
Taste and adjust seasonings — a splash of red wine vinegar adds a beautiful brightness.
Tips for Perfect Bourguignon
⭐ Pat your beef dry before searing — moisture prevents browning.
⭐ Use a bold red wine — light wines won’t stand up to the richness.
⭐ Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing — it steams instead of browns.
⭐ Chill before skimming fat for a cleaner finish.
⭐ Make ahead — this stew tastes even better the next day.
Serving Ideas
- 🥔 Over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles (classic French).
- 🥖 With crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
- 🥗 Alongside a frisée salad with Dijon vinaigrette.
- 🌿 For holidays: serve with roasted root vegetables or green beans almondine.
- 🍷 Wine pairing: the same red you cooked with — Pinot Noir or Burgundy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I skip the wine?
A: Yes! Replace with 2 cups beef broth + 2 tbsp red wine vinegar + 1 tbsp grape juice.
Q: Can I use ground beef?
A: No. The magic comes from slow-braised chunks of beef — ground meat won’t hold up.
Q: Why are my vegetables mushy?
A: Likely added too early. Always add mushrooms and onions in the last 30–45 minutes.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. It’s even more flavorful after a night in the fridge.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes — use cornstarch instead of flour, and double-check your broth.
Final Thoughts: French Comfort, Simplified
Beef Bourguignon is proof that great food isn’t about complexity — it’s about care. With your slow cooker doing the work, you can enjoy a timeless French classic without the stress.
Uncork that bottle, chop those mushrooms, and let your home fill with the aroma of slow-simmered perfection. One spoonful of this rich, wine-kissed stew, and you’ll understand why it’s been cherished for generations.
🇫🇷🍷 Bon appétit — and if you make this dish, share your creation in the comments or tag your photos on social media!
