Alright, buckle up folks! If you’re ready for a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance without making you break a sweat, then this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is exactly what you need in your life. It’s like comfort food meets fancy dinner party, but without the hassle. Throw everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and let the magic happen. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a rich, tender, and totally drool-worthy meal waiting for you. Let’s dive in and make something awesome together!
Try my Beef and Broccoli Stem Stir-Fry recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Set it and forget it: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No need to babysit the stove!
→ Melt-in-your-mouth beef: The beef becomes so tender it practically falls apart with a fork. Pure bliss.
→ Full of flavor: The rich red wine, savory bacon, and fresh thyme make every bite a little slice of heaven.
→ Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week—perfect for busy days.
→ Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Whether you’re avoiding gluten or dairy, this recipe has you covered without sacrificing taste.
→ Comforting and hearty: This dish is the definition of comfort food. It’ll warm you up from the inside out.
→ Easy to customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings—this recipe is as flexible as you want it to be!
You’ll find yourself making this one again and again—trust me!
Try my Rendang-Spiced Beef and Cauliflower recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon so darn good:
→ Beef (Casserole Steak/Stroganoff Beef): The star of the show! This beef becomes super tender as it simmers away in the slow cooker, soaking up all that delicious flavor. It’s the kind of meat that just melts in your mouth. 🥩
→ Bacon: Bacon makes everything better, right? In this dish, it adds a savory, smoky flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. Plus, a little crispy bacon never hurt anybody. 🥓
→ Red Wine: The red wine not only deglazes the pan but also gives the sauce that rich, deep flavor you’ll crave in every bite. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off, leaving only the goodness behind. 🍷
→ Carrots: These add a natural sweetness and a nice texture to balance out all the rich flavors. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about adding them to the mix! 🥕
→ Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme bring in that herby, earthy flavor that ties everything together. It’s the perfect little finishing touch. 🌿
With these simple yet amazing ingredients, you’re about to make a dish that’s got it all—flavor, comfort, and a whole lot of love!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 8 hours and 25 mins
1| Start by heating up 1/2 tbsp. of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on your stew beef and give it a nice sear for 6-8 minutes until it’s all brown and delicious. Then, toss it into the slow cooker.
2| In the same pan, add another 1/2 tbsp. of olive oil and toss in the onion and bacon. Sauté for about 4 minutes, letting those flavors come together. Then, add the garlic and carrots, and cook it all for another 3-4 minutes—smells great already, right?
3| Now, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan—scrape up all those tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the beef stock and give it a good mix.
4| Pour that flavorful goodness over the beef in the slow cooker, and don’t forget to add your thyme sprigs. Cover it up and let it cook on low for 8 hours. By the time it’s done, that beef should be fall-apart tender.
Serving Suggestion: Serve it hot with some Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes (check out the recipe in this pack) and a side of 16.9 oz. (480g) cooked asparagus. Enjoy!
There you go! Simple, easy, and totally mouth-watering.
Glycemic Index: 33 (low) Glycemic Load: 4 (low)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some recipe swaps and tweaks you can try to make this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon your own:
Recipe Swaps:
- Beef: If you’re not a fan of casserole steak, try using chuck roast or sirloin tips. Both are great for slow cooking and will still give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Bacon: Not everyone’s a bacon lover, so feel free to swap it out with turkey bacon or smoked sausage for a slightly lighter yet still flavorful twist.
- Red Wine: If wine’s not your thing, use beef broth or apple cider vinegar mixed with water. You’ll miss the wine’s depth, but the dish will still taste amazing.
- Carrots: For a lower-carb option, swap the carrots with parsnips or turnips. They’ll give a similar texture but with fewer carbs.
- Stock: Swap beef stock for chicken stock or vegetable stock if you prefer a lighter broth flavor.
- Thyme: If you can’t find fresh thyme, use dried thyme—just use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Tweaks Ideas:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms along with the onions and bacon for a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the mix for a kick of spice.
- Add Garlic: Toss in an extra garlic clove or two for even more depth of flavor. Garlic lovers, this one’s for you!
- Throw in Some Veggies: Add celery or parsnips for even more texture and flavor. They’ll hold up well in the slow cooker.
- Thicken It Up: If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to get creative with your swaps and tweaks—this recipe is flexible and ready to be tailored to your taste!
Try my Ground Beef and Potato Curry recipe.
Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some useful tips to make sure your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon turns out perfectly:
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker! It adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the dish that’s key to a rich, savory taste. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan when searing.
- Use a Good Quality Red Wine: The wine makes a huge difference in flavor, so try to use something you’d actually drink. No need for anything fancy, just a solid bottle of dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will do the trick.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger slow cooker to avoid overcrowding. Too many ingredients can prevent the heat from circulating properly and may lead to uneven cooking.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Every slow cooker is different. You might need to adjust the cooking time depending on the model, so check your beef toward the end of the 8 hours to make sure it’s fall-apart tender.
- Prep Ahead for Easy Weeknight Dinners: This is a great dish to make ahead for busy nights. The flavors only get better after sitting for a day or two, so feel free to make it in advance and store it in the fridge. It also freezes really well!
- Layering Flavors: If you want to get a bit more complex with the flavors, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the red wine sauce. It’ll add a little extra zing!
- Stir Occasionally (if you can): If you’re around, give the ingredients a stir halfway through cooking. It helps everything combine nicely and allows the flavors to mingle even more.
- Serving with Sides: Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even some crusty gluten-free bread to soak up that incredible sauce!
With these tips, you’ll be sure to make a Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon that’s a total hit!
Try my Kimchi Beef Cauliflower Bowl recipe.
Serving Ideas
Here are some serving ideas to make your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon even more delightful:
- Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and flavor of mashed potatoes are a perfect match for the rich beef and sauce. For a twist, try adding some roasted garlic or even a bit of cauliflower to make them extra creamy and nutritious. 🥔
- Crusty Gluten-Free Bread: A thick slice of gluten-free bread is ideal for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Plus, it adds a little crunch to your meal. 🍞
- Roasted Veggies: Keep it simple with some roasted asparagus or green beans to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can even toss in some brussels sprouts for a little extra flavor. 🥦
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb twist, serve the beef bourguignon over cauliflower rice. It’s light but still gives you a satisfying base to soak up that savory sauce. 🌾
- Salad: Serve it alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef. Arugula or spinach work great here! 🥗
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Looking for something a bit sweeter? Try mashed sweet potatoes as a side. The slight sweetness complements the savory beef perfectly. 🍠
- Polenta: Creamy polenta can be a hearty, flavorful base for the beef bourguignon. It’s rich and smooth and pairs beautifully with the dish. 🍽️
- Pickled Vegetables: If you’re looking for something tangy to cut through the richness, a small side of pickled carrots or gherkins can add a nice contrast to the flavors. 🥒
These sides will really elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon and turn it into a complete, satisfying meal!
Try my Korean Beef Salad Wraps recipe.
Storage Options
Here are some great storage options for your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon to keep it fresh for later:
- Refrigerating: If you plan on enjoying leftovers within the next few days, store your beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Single-Serve Containers: If you like to prep meals for the week, divide the beef bourguignon into individual portions and store them in single-serve containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick lunch or dinner during the week without any hassle.
- Vacuum Sealing: For an even longer shelf life, consider using a vacuum sealer for your leftovers. This will prevent freezer burn and keep your beef bourguignon fresh for up to 6 months in the freezer.
- Glass Containers: I recommend using glass containers instead of plastic for storing leftovers, as glass doesn’t absorb odors and helps maintain the dish’s flavor better.
Just make sure you reheat it gently to avoid drying it out. A little splash of broth or water while reheating will help keep it nice and saucy!
Try my Ground Beef Korean Meal Prep Bowls recipe.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is all about that melt-in-your-mouth goodness and deep, rich flavors. The best part? You get to enjoy it without spending hours hovering over the stove. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just treating yourself to something special, this dish hits the spot every time. So go ahead, serve it up with some mashed potatoes and asparagus, and enjoy a well-deserved meal. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
If you love beef stew, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon will blow your mind! 😋 Tender beef, savory bacon, and rich red wine cooked low and slow for the ultimate comfort food. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious meal! 🍲
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it for 6-8 minutes, turning to ensure even cooking. Once browned, transfer the beef to a slow cooker. -
Step 2:
In the same frying pan, add another 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion and bacon for approximately 4 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp and the onion to soften. Add the garlic and carrots, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. -
Step 3:
To deglaze the pan, pour in the red wine, stirring to lift any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the beef stock, combining all the ingredients thoroughly. -
Step 4:
Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, then add the thyme sprigs. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is very tender. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the beef bourguignon hot, accompanied by 4 servings of Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes (refer to the recipe on my website, here) and 16.9 oz. (480g) cooked asparagus.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 434kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 26g40%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
