Name: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489453H49M12S
Total time: 9 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 slices diced bacon; 3 pounds boneless beef chuck pieces, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup red cooking wine; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup tomato sauce; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup flour; 3 minced garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 5 medium carrots, sliced; 1 pound baby potatoes (tri-color variety used); 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms; Fresh chopped parsley

If you’re craving a rich, hearty meal that does the work for you while filling your home with irresistible aromas, I’ve got just the thing. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite go-to dinners. It’s comfort food at its finest—tender beef soaked in a flavorful wine sauce with veggies all cooked low and slow. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooking: Toss everything in and let your slow cooker create magic while you relax.
Deep, Authentic Flavors: The red wine and soy sauce blend adds unexpected richness you’ll adore.
Perfectly Tender Beef: The low and slow method guarantees melt-in-your-mouth beef every time.
Family-Friendly Comfort: It’s the kind of dish that has everyone asking for seconds, no fancy skills required.

The image shows a close-up of a slow cooker filled with a rich stew. The stew has several layers: large chunks of orange carrots, round yellow potatoes, and dark brown pieces of meat mixed in a thick reddish-brown sauce. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. A wooden spoon is partly dipped into the stew, lifting a mix of ingredients. The slow cooker itself is black, sitting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, beef bourguignon, hearty beef stew, easy slow cooker dinner, French beef stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together beautifully with a balance of savory, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors. When shopping, look for good-quality chuck roast for the best tenderness after slow cooking.

Flat lay of thick cubes of raw boneless beef chuck, five slices of raw diced bacon, five medium sliced fresh carrots, a pound of tri-color baby potatoes, eight ounces of sliced fresh brown mushrooms, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small bunch of fresh thyme sprigs, a small bunch of fresh chopped parsley, a small white bowl of deep red cooking wine, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of rich red tomato sauce, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of white flour all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, beef bourguignon, hearty beef stew, easy slow cooker dinner, French beef stew

Bacon: Adds a smoky base flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Boneless beef chuck: This cut is ideal for slow cooking—it becomes wonderfully tender.
Red cooking wine: Key to building that classic Bourguignon flavor; don’t skip it!
Chicken broth: Adds depth without overpowering the wine.
Tomato sauce: Offers subtle sweetness and acidity for balance.
Soy sauce: A secret ingredient I discovered to boost umami.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it’s rich and luxurious.
Garlic: Fresh minced brings a fragrant kick that wakes up the dish.
Fresh thyme: Adds earthy herbal notes; fresh is best, dried works fine too.
Carrots: They soften during cooking and add natural sweetness.
Baby potatoes: I love tri-color for extra visual appeal, but white or red work great too.
Fresh mushrooms: They soak up the sauce and add another layer of texture.
Parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens each serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this slow cooker beef bourguignon recipe, and you absolutely should too! Make it your own by swapping veggies or tweaking flavors—it’s very forgiving.

Mushroom Lover’s Version: I sometimes double the mushrooms for extra umami punch, my family goes crazy for the earthy depth it adds.
Low Sodium Swap: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth if you’re watching salt intake—still delicious, I promise.
Vegetable Boost: Adding pearl onions or parsnips can add another dimension; I’ve found they hold up well over long cooking times.
Gluten-Free: Just substitute the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Your Bacon for Flavor Foundation

Start by cooking your diced bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp—about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step because those rendered bacon bits really form the base of your sauce’s rich flavor. Once crisp, scoop the bacon with some of the fat into the slow cooker. I usually leave a little fat in the skillet because it helps brown the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Season your beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in the same skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan—do this in batches if you need to. Each side should get a nice golden crust in about 2-3 minutes. This browning locks in juices and adds complexity to the stew. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker with the bacon.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Right in the Skillet

Pour in the red cooking wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping those delicious brown bits off the sides—that’s all flavor right there! Let it simmer a bit to reduce, then whisk in your chicken broth, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Gradually sprinkle the flour while whisking to avoid lumps. This step gives the sauce body and richness. Once combined, pour everything into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Herbs

Next, toss in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, sliced carrots, baby potatoes, and mushrooms. Give everything a gentle stir so the flavors mingle and the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Let It Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for about 6 hours. Patience here pays off—check for fork-tender beef and perfectly softened veggies. If the sauce isn’t as thick as you like once done, you can always turn the slow cooker to high and let it reduce uncovered for 15-20 minutes.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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Brown Everything Properly: Taking your time to brown the beef and bacon locks in flavor and prevents the stew from tasting flat.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: Those browned bits on the pan carry loads of flavor—scrape them up and include them in your sauce.
Adjust Thickness at the End: If the sauce is too thin, finish it by simmering on high uncovered rather than adding more flour, which can clump.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh thyme adds brightness you just can’t get with dried, but dried thyme is fine in a pinch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dark bowl filled with rich beef stew. The dish has large chunks of dark brown beef, bright orange carrot pieces, and small golden baby potatoes, all covered in a thick brown sauce. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled on top, adding a pop of color. In the background, there is a small portion of white mashed potatoes. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, beef bourguignon, hearty beef stew, easy slow cooker dinner, French beef stew

Garnishes

I always finish my servings with a handful of fresh chopped parsley. It adds a little pop of color and freshness that balances all the richness. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a bit of cracked black pepper on top, too. Little details like this take the dish from good to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing is creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that glorious sauce. But buttered egg noodles or even crusty bread work brilliantly too. If you want something green, steamed green beans or a lightly dressed salad balance the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve slow cooker beef bourguignon in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic ramekins. It makes every guest feel like they’re getting a cozy, personal portion—and it looks so charming at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day—just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

This slow cooker beef bourguignon freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through. This keeps the beef tender and the sauce silky instead of drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe?

Absolutely! Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking, but you can also use brisket or beef stew meat. Just make sure the cut you choose has enough marbling to stay moist and flavorful.
Do I have to use red wine in this recipe?

Red cooking wine really adds authenticity and depth, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute with additional beef broth or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the beef from getting dry in the slow cooker?

Make sure to brown your beef before slow cooking and cook on a low setting for the best tenderness. Avoid opening the lid too often, as heat escapes and can increase cooking time. Adding enough liquid also keeps the beef moist.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes! You can brown the beef and bacon using the sauté function, then pressure cook everything for about 35-45 minutes with natural pressure release. Just adjust cooking times and add veggies later if you prefer them less soft.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon besides potatoes?

Noodles, polenta, or even creamy cauliflower mash are delightful alternatives. A side of roasted vegetables or fresh green salad can also provide a nice textural contrast and balance.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely love how the beef turns out, incredibly tender and infused with the robust flavor of wine, herbs, and bacon. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a cozy solo dinner, I promise that this dish hits all the comfort food notes—and it frees up your time while the slow cooker does the hard work. Give it a try soon and get ready for some serious compliments!