Hey there, friends! Today, I’m so excited to share a cozy and comforting dish that you can just set and forget — Crockpot Beef Bourguignon. With this recipe, I’ll show you how to transform a classic French dish into an easy, down-to-earth meal that fits perfectly into your busy schedule. And the best part? Your house will be filled with wonderful aromas without you having to hover over the stove. Speaking of set-and-forget meals, if you’re in the mood for breakfast ideas too, check out my crescent roll breakfast recipes. Let’s dive right in!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Cooking can often feel like a chore with the pitter-patter of family life, but that’s why I adore this Crockpot Beef Bourguignon. You’ll love how effortless it is — all thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Imagine coming home to tender beef and veggies soaked in rich, savory flavors. Perfect for those days when you’d rather be spending time with family than stuck in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that saves time and washes up with just one pot?
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 lb chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 24 oz baby gold potatoes
- 3 large carrots, cut into large chunks
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped
Step-by-step instructions
Prepping the beef
Cut and Season
Cut the chuck roast into large 2-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper to start building flavor in the beef.
Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each piece should develop a rich, golden crust.
Coat with Flour
Return all the browned beef to the skillet (if cooked in batches) and sprinkle with flour. Sauté for about one minute, allowing the flour to brown slightly — this will help thicken the stew later.
Building the base
Layering
Place the onions at the bottom of your crockpot, followed by the potatoes, browned beef, and carrots on top.
Deglaze with Wine
In the same skillet used to brown the beef, pour in the red wine and let it simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom — they add incredible flavor.
Mix the Sauce
Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar until well combined.
Slow Cooking Perfection
Combine and cook:
Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the crockpot. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours if you’re short on time. Give it a stir occasionally if you can.
Serve:
When done, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.
Recipe tips & variations
- Wine choice: Go for a dry red wine — Merlots and Pinot Noirs work well. However, if wine isn’t your thing, extra beef broth can substitute.
- Thyme out: No fresh thyme? Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead.
- Customize veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms or pearl onions to the mix as well.
- Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine some cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
Storage & reheating
Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This beef dish does tenderize further, making it great for a quick mid-week dinner.
Reheating: Warm it up slowly on the stovetop or microwave it in portions. Just remember to stir it occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
What’s the best type of wine for beef bourguignon?
A full-bodied dry red wine like a Cabernet or Shiraz works wonders here, but feel free to experiment with what you have at hand.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, this actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
What can I serve this with?
A side of crispy French bread or simply some steamed green beans makes for a perfect accompaniment.
Will this freeze well?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipes you may like
If you enjoyed this cozy dish, you may love relaxing mornings with my breakfast potatoes recipe or dive into cheesy goodness with my breakfast pizza recipe.
Can’t wait to hear how it’ll turn out in your kitchen! Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and feel free to share your own twists to this classic recipe.
Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cozy and comforting Crockpot Beef Bourguignon recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 lb chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 24 oz baby gold potatoes
- 3 large carrots, cut into large chunks
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chuck roast into large 2” square pieces. Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on each side, doing it in batches.
- Add the browned beef back into the skillet and sprinkle with flour. Sauté for an extra minute until the flour browns.
- In your crockpot, start layering with onions at the bottom, followed by potatoes, the browned beef, and finally carrots at the top.
- Return to your skillet, pour in the red wine, and let it bubble up, scraping up all the delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
- Add beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Stir until everything’s blended.
- Pour your beautiful sauce over the crockpot ingredients and tuck in some fresh thyme sprigs. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
- Once done, sprinkle chopped parsley over your dish and serve hot.
Notes
- Go for a dry red wine — Merlots and Pinot Noirs work well.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine some cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg