Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, diced; 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups red wine (Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Chianti); 2 cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1/4 cup flour; 4 carrots, cut into chunks; 1 lb baby potatoes; 8 oz crimini mushrooms, halved; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon isn’t just dinner — it’s the kind of cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal that makes you want to linger at the table a little longer. In this recipe, tender chunks of beef chuck roast soak up a rich red wine sauce while carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and herbs meld together in the slow cooker. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth French beef stew that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting.

This has become my go-to dish for chilly weekends, lazy Sundays, and anytime I want something hearty without fussing over the stove. And yes — it’s even better the next day.

If you want the perfect sidekick to this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, serve it with warm, crusty bread that can soak up every last drop of that glorious sauce.

Slow cooker beef stew with carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and parsley being stirred with a wooden spoon

What is Beef Bourguignon?
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon (and Why They Matter)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Variations & Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
FAQ
Storage & Reheating
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe Card
More Slow Cooker Beef Recipes You’ll Love
Final thoughts

What is Beef Bourguignon?

Beef Bourguignon, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon, is a traditional French stew hailing from the Burgundy region. Unlike your everyday beef stew, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon gets its signature depth of flavor from red wine — usually a full-bodied Burgundy or Pinot Noir.

Classic versions often require hours of stovetop or oven simmering, but with the slow cooker, you can achieve the same rich, velvety sauce and fork-tender beef with minimal hands-on work. The bacon, wine, and herbs give it a savory, slightly smoky profile, while slow cooking ensures the flavors marry beautifully over time.

Where a standard stew might just use broth, this French beef stew slow cooker recipe blends broth with wine, tomato, and sometimes soy sauce for an umami boost. And let’s be honest — any dish that involves bacon drippings and wine is bound to be a winner.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon (and Why They Matter)

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon sing:

Ingredient	Role in the Dish
Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)	Perfect for low-and-slow cooking, becomes tender and juicy.
Bacon	Adds smoky, salty richness to the base.
Red Wine (Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Chianti)	Deglazes the pan, deepens flavor, and tenderizes the meat.
Chicken Broth	Lightens the sauce while still adding savory depth.
Tomato Sauce	Adds body and subtle sweetness.
Soy Sauce	Brings umami complexity.
Flour	Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency.
Carrots	Sweet earthiness and color.
Baby Potatoes	Hearty texture, soaks up sauce.
Crimini Mushrooms	Meaty bite with earthy flavor.
Garlic	Aromatic backbone.
Fresh Thyme	Herbaceous lift.
Parsley	Bright garnish.

For a lighter, fresh contrast to this hearty dish, pair it with Fresh & Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1 – Crisp the Bacon

Cook diced bacon in a skillet until golden and crispy. Transfer to the slow cooker, leaving the drippings in the pan. Those drippings are flavor gold.

Step 2 – Sear the Beef

Season your beef chuck cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches in the bacon fat until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd — you want that deep caramelization, not steaming. This is key for a rich, savory base.

Step 3 – Deglaze with Wine

Pour red wine into the hot skillet, scraping up all those brown bits (fond) stuck to the bottom. This step layers in flavor before everything even hits the slow cooker.

Step 4 – Build the Sauce

Whisk in chicken broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and a bit of flour to the wine mixture until smooth. Pour over the beef and bacon in the slow cooker.

Step 5 – Add Veggies & Herbs

Toss in carrots, baby potatoes, mushrooms, garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs. Gently stir to coat everything in the sauce.

Step 6 – Slow Cook

Cover and cook on Low for 8–10 hours or High for 6 hours, until beef is fall-apart tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Step 7 – Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or Cheesy Ranch Potatoes for a hearty brunch twist.

Variations & Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Bacon Alternatives – Try pancetta for a saltier bite or turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Wine-Free Version – Replace wine with beef broth plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar.
Mushroom Choices – Crimini mushrooms add depth; white button mushrooms are milder.
Extra Flavor – Add bay leaves or rosemary for more herbal complexity.
Potato Swap – Use small Yukon golds or even sweet potatoes for a twist.

For a seasonal upgrade, pair your beef bourguignon with Honey sweet potato summer salad
.

FAQ

Can I make it without a slow cooker?

Yes — simmer gently on the stove for 2–3 hours or bake in a Dutch oven at 325°F for about the same time.

What’s the best cut of beef?

Beef chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or stew meat works too.

Which wine should I use?

Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Chianti are top picks. Choose one you’d enjoy drinking.

What can I serve it with?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty baguette. For true French flair, try boeuf bourguignon with baguette.

Storage & Reheating

One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is how well it keeps. In fact, it’s even tastier the next day as the flavors deepen.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the slow cooker until heated through.

End the meal on a light note with Peach fruit salad with honey lime dressing.