Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Bourguignon (Slow Cooker!)

Introduction

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Ready to transform humble chuck roast into a restaurant-quality Beef Bourguignon, all from the comfort of your slow cooker? This recipe is all about making fancy food ridiculously easy – perfect for busy weeknights or impressing your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a rich, savory sauce that’s guaranteed to be a new family favorite!

Why This Works

This slow cooker Beef Bourguignon is a game-changer because it lets the magic of low and slow cooking do all the work. The chuck roast becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the wine, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s also incredibly forgiving – you can adjust the ingredients to your liking, and the slow cooker ensures everything cooks evenly. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Key Ingredients

• 🥩 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🥓 4 slices bacon, diced
• 🍄 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 🥕 2 large carrots, chopped
• 🍷 1 cup dry red wine (Burgundy is traditional!)
• 🥣 1 cup beef broth
• 🍅 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 🌿 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 🌿 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 🌿 1 tsp dried thyme
• 🌿 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 🌿 1 bay leaf
• 🍃 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 🥔 2 lbs small potatoes, halved or quartered if large

Instructions

1️⃣ In your slow cooker, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the slow cooker. Set the bacon aside, reserving the grease.

2️⃣ Add the beef cubes to the slow cooker and sear them on all sides in the bacon grease. This step adds incredible flavor!

3️⃣ Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.

4️⃣ Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

5️⃣ Add the flour and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the sauce.

6️⃣ Pour in the red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the slow cooker.

7️⃣ Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), carrots, and mushrooms.

8️⃣ Stir in the crispy bacon.

9️⃣ Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.

🔟 About 30 minutes before serving, add the potatoes to the slow cooker.

1️⃣1️⃣ Once the beef and potatoes are cooked through, stir in the fresh parsley.

Handy Tips

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of mushrooms! Shiitake, oyster, or a mix would be delicious.
• For an even richer flavor, marinate the beef in the red wine for a few hours before cooking.
• If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce it.

Heat Control

The slow cooker provides gentle, even heat, which is perfect for tenderizing the beef and allowing the flavors to meld. Low heat prevents the beef from becoming tough, while also allowing the vegetables to soften without overcooking.

Crunch Factor

The crispy bacon adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender beef and soft vegetables. You can also achieve a bit of crunch by roasting the potatoes separately before adding them to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a good quality red wine – you’ll taste the difference!
• For extra depth of flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon).

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully!

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Beef Bourguignon makes a fantastic gift! Package it in a beautiful jar or container, perhaps with a festive ribbon and a handwritten recipe card.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Bourguignon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

🌟 Herby Bourguignon: Add a sprig of fresh thyme and rosemary to the slow cooker during cooking.

🌟 Mushroom Medley Bourguignon: Use a variety of mushrooms for a more complex flavor profile.

🌟 Garlic Lover’s Bourguignon: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of garlic.

Troubleshooting

• Beef is tough: Ensure you cook it on low for at least 6 hours, or until it’s fork-tender. Using a less-tender cut of beef might also be the culprit!
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce the sauce.
• Potatoes are mushy: If the potatoes are getting too soft, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of wine? A: Yes, you can use any dry red wine you prefer.

Q: Can I make this in a regular pot on the stovetop? A: Yes, but it will take longer and require more attention. Sear the beef, then simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until tender.

Q: Can I add other vegetables? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce further? A: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prep all the ingredients the day before and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

This slow cooker Beef Bourguignon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think – don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #RatemyRecipes! Enjoy!