Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

Ah, Beef Bourguignon—the name itself sounds luxurious, right? But trust me, you don’t need to be a professional chef to make this dish come alive in your own kitchen. Imagine tender chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, red wine sauce with earthy mushrooms, savory onions, and crispy bacon. The flavors are deep, hearty, and so comforting that each bite feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dish you’d want to serve at a cozy dinner party, but it’s also perfect for a weekend family meal. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

This dish is more than just food; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s become a go-to for so many:

• Versatile: Perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply treating yourself to something special. Whether it’s a celebratory meal or a relaxing Sunday dinner, Beef Bourguignon fits any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: You can create this dish with affordable cuts of beef that become wonderfully tender after hours of slow cooking. Plus, you’ll likely have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: Once you’ve browned the beef and set it to slow cook, you’re basically done! It’s as easy as adding the ingredients to your slow cooker and letting the magic happen.
• Customizable: Don’t have certain veggies? Swap them for whatever you have on hand! If you love mushrooms, feel free to add more, or throw in some extra carrots for an extra pop of sweetness.
• Crowd-Pleasing: There’s something about a rich, flavorful stew that gets everyone excited. It’s hearty and flavorful, so it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting masterpiece:

Beef Chuck Roast:

This is the heart of the dish. When slow-cooked, beef chuck becomes incredibly tender and soaks up all the rich flavors from the wine and herbs. It’s the perfect cut for a dish like Beef Bourguignon.

Bacon:

Crispy bacon adds a smokiness and richness that takes this stew to the next level. It also brings in a bit of savory crunch to contrast the tender beef and veggies.

Red Wine:

The star of the sauce! Red wine adds depth and complexity to the dish, infusing the beef with a robust flavor. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off, leaving you with all the best flavors.

Beef Broth:

For extra richness and flavor, beef broth complements the wine beautifully, creating the perfect base for your sauce.

Mushrooms:

Mushrooms absorb all the sauce and add an earthy, savory flavor that enhances the dish. Plus, they add a great texture to the stew.

Carrots & Onions:

These veggies help round out the dish with a slight sweetness and richness. Carrots soften and melt into the sauce, while onions create a savory depth of flavor.

Garlic:

A little garlic goes a long way in adding aromatic depth to the dish. It brings everything together in a way that’s subtle but unforgettable.

Herbs:

A bouquet of fresh thyme and bay leaves will infuse the stew with a warm, herbal note that’s just the right amount of earthy and fragrant.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this hearty, comforting dish:

Brown the Beef:

Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown the beef chunks in batches with a bit of oil. Get that golden, crispy crust on all sides, as it’ll add so much flavor to the final dish. Set the browned beef aside.

Cook the Bacon:

In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. This will release all that delicious bacon fat, which will flavor the rest of the dish.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Add the onions, carrots, and garlic to the skillet, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes until softened. You’re building flavor here, so take your time with this step!

Add Wine & Broth:

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add the beef broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor!

Combine in the Slow Cooker:

Transfer the beef, bacon, and veggie mixture into your slow cooker. Add the mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in any remaining wine-broth mixture from the skillet.

Slow-Cook the Magic:

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Final Touches:

Once done, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve this stew with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over buttered noodles. The sauce is so rich, you’ll want something to soak it all up. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

This dish is already hearty and filling, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve this stew over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, satisfying meal. The potatoes absorb the rich sauce perfectly.
• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Garlic bread or a fresh baguette would be perfect!
• Buttered Noodles: If you’re in the mood for pasta, serve the Beef Bourguignon over buttered egg noodles for a classic pairing.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the stew. A salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens works wonderfully.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips would complement the stew and add a pop of color and texture to your plate.

Presentation Tip: Serve in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme leaves. It adds a touch of freshness and looks gorgeous against the rich, deep color of the stew.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of this slow-cooked masterpiece:

• Prep Ahead: Brown the beef, cook the bacon, and sauté the veggies ahead of time. You can even do this the night before, store it in the fridge, and let the slow cooker do the rest the next day.
• Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for a little kick.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free option, serve this stew over mashed potatoes or gluten-free noodles.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld!
• Freezing: Beef Bourguignon freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the slow cooker or on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have beef chuck, you can try beef stew meat or a brisket. Just make sure it’s a cut that can handle slow cooking to become tender.

Q2: Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
A2: Yes, you can! After browning the beef and cooking the vegetables, simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for 2-3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Q3: Can I add potatoes to the stew?
A3: Yes! You can add cubed potatoes during the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up all that delicious sauce and add extra heartiness to the dish.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this stew freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Q6: Can I use a different type of wine?
A6: Yes! You can substitute the red wine with a dry white wine or even a non-alcoholic wine if you prefer. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q7: How do I know when the beef is tender enough?
A7: The beef should be fork-tender, meaning it shreds easily when you poke it with a fork. If it’s still tough, let it cook for another hour or so.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables?
A8: Of course! Feel free to add any other vegetables you like, such as parsnips, celery, or peas. Just keep in mind that some vegetables might cook faster than others, so add them at the right time.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the doubled ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat leftovers in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Conclusion

This Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon is a showstopper that will have your whole family or guests raving about your cooking skills. The tender beef, savory bacon, and rich wine sauce create the perfect balance of flavors, making it a comforting, unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because you deserve something amazing, this dish is bound to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the most delicious stew you’ve ever had!

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