Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Secret Tender Tips (Print Version)
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with secret tender tips. Achieve fall-apart beef and rich, savory flavors effortlessly. A classic French stew made easy for weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 385 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: French
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
2 lbs boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
02 -
6 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
→ Aromatic Depth & Umami Boost
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
04 -
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
05 -
2 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
06 -
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
09 -
1 tsp dried thyme
10 -
1 bay leaf
→ The Braising Liquid & Secret Tenderizers
11 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
12 -
1 1/2 cups dry red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon)
13 -
2 cups beef broth, low sodium
14 -
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
15 -
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
16 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches & Freshness
17 -
8 oz cremini mushrooms, halved
18 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet, cook 6 oz thick-cut bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, leaving drippings. Sear 2 lbs boneless beef chuck in batches until browned on all sides, adding 2 tbsp olive oil if needed. This browning is a secret tender tip for your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
02 -
To the same skillet, add 2 large carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 1 large yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf, cooking for 1 minute more until fragrant.
03 -
Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the vegetables, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing adds incredible depth to your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Secret Tender Tips Inside.
04 -
Transfer the seared beef, cooked bacon, and vegetable mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 2 cups low sodium beef broth, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
05 -
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender. This long, slow cooking is the ultimate secret tender tip for your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
06 -
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in 8 oz halved cremini mushrooms. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. Garnish your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Secret Tender Tips Inside with 1/4 cup fresh parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For even deeper flavor, marinate the beef in the red wine overnight before searing. Pat dry thoroughly before browning for a better crust.
02 -
Leftover Bourguignon stores beautifully. Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day!
03 -
If you don't have cremini mushrooms, white button mushrooms work well. For a richer sauce, a splash of brandy can be added with the wine.
04 -
This hearty dish is fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 525 kcal
Total Fat: 32 g
Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
Protein: 32 g