This Easy Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is a cozy dish that makes you feel right at home. With tender beef, tasty veggies, and rich gravy, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Dinner is ready when you are—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender over time. If you can’t find chuck, you can use brisket or round. Just remember, tougher cuts work best!
Red Wine: A good-quality wine enhances the flavor. If you want an alcohol-free option, use more beef broth or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Mushrooms: This recipe uses sliced mushrooms for earthiness. If you’re not a fan, try using bell peppers or zucchini instead, but they will change the dish’s overall flavor.
Tomato Paste: It adds depth and richness. If you don’t have tomato paste, a tablespoon of ketchup could work in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender beef bourguignon lies in both searing the beef and slow cooking. Searing adds a beautiful crust and flavor.
- Season the beef well before browning—this enhances flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; brown in batches if needed for an even sear.
- Cooking in the slow cooker lets all the flavors meld. Low and slow is the way to go here!
Finally, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Fresh parsley on top brightens everything up, making each bite delicious!
Easy Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need to let it cook in your crockpot for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Perfect for starting in the morning and enjoying in the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Beef:
Begin by generously seasoning your beef cubes with salt and black pepper. This step is essential to build flavor right from the start!
2. Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef cubes in batches, browning them evenly on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to your crockpot.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic, chopped onion, carrot chunks, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and smell good!
4. Add Tomato Paste:
Add the tomato paste to your vegetable mixture, stirring it in for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps deepen the flavor!
5. Combine Liquids:
Pour in the red wine and beef broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor to your dish!
6. Mix Everything Together:
Transfer the vegetable and liquid mixture into the crockpot with the browned beef. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and the bay leaf, stirring everything together gently.
7. Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and flavors meld beautifully.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, melt the butter in a small pan and whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the delicious sauce.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf and taste your dish. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot! This beef bourguignon pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or chunky slices of crusty bread. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is great for this recipe due to its tenderness when slow-cooked, you can also use brisket or round. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time, as leaner cuts may cook faster.
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Option for the Wine?
Yes! If you prefer not to use wine, substitute the red wine with additional beef broth or a combination of grape juice and a splash of vinegar for acidity. This will still provide a flavorful dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef bourguignon for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the ingredients up to a day in advance. Just keep the chopped veggies and seasoned beef in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes it even easier for busy days!
