Crockpot Beef Bourguignon

Crockpot Beef Bourguignon is one of those recipes that sounds fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. I love how this slow cooker version transforms a traditional French dish into a weeknight-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself while filling your house with the most incredible aroma.

I first made this on a Sunday afternoon when I wanted something special but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender beef, bacon, and red wine creates this deeply savory sauce that clings to every vegetable. What makes this Crockpot Beef Bourguignon recipe so good is that all those rich flavors develop while you’re off doing other things. You get restaurant-quality beef bourguignon without watching the stove, and the slow cooking makes the meat so tender it falls apart with just a fork.

What You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

I always use thick-cut bacon here because it adds such great texture and smoky depth to the sauce. For the wine, pick something you’d actually enjoy drinking – it makes a real difference in the final flavor.

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 3.5 lbs boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1.5 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 3 large carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 8 oz white pearl onions, peeled (frozen work great!)
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir)
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 bay leaf

Pro tip: I recommend using boneless chuck roast because it has just enough marbling to stay juicy through the long cooking time without becoming greasy.

How to Make Beef Bourguignon in Your Slow Cooker

I always sear the beef first because those caramelized bits add so much flavor you just can’t get otherwise.

Step 1: Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a bowl and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Step 2: While the bacon cooks, cut your chuck roast into hearty 2-inch chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels so they brown instead of steam.

Step 3: Working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, sear the beef chunks in the bacon drippings for 3-5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Don’t rush this – that golden crust is pure flavor. Transfer each batch directly into your crockpot.

Step 4: Add the halved baby potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped onion, pearl onions, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and reserved bacon to the crockpot with the beef.

Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine, beef broth, cornstarch, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Pour this mixture over everything in the crockpot, then nestle in the thyme sprigs, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaf.

Step 6: Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are soft. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides through the meat with almost no resistance and your kitchen smells amazing.

Perfect Pairings for Your French Beef Stew

This rich, wine-braised beef deserves sides that can soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.

Crusty French bread: The perfect vehicle for mopping up the savory sauce, and it adds that authentic bistro feel.

Creamy mashed potatoes: They create an extra-comforting base and balance the wine-forward flavors beautifully.

Buttered egg noodles: Classic pairing that catches all the sauce while adding a gentle, buttery richness.

Roasted green beans: A lighter side that adds color and a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty stew.

Simple arugula salad: The peppery greens and bright vinaigrette cut through the richness perfectly.

You can also serve this Crockpot Beef Bourguignon over creamy polenta for an Italian-French fusion that’s absolutely delicious.

More Hearty Slow Cooker Meals You’ll Love

This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon fits perfectly into a collection of comforting slow cooker dinners that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. When you’re craving another hands-off meal with equally impressive results, try the Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast, which features tender beef in a caramelized onion gravy that’s just as rich and satisfying. The Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes offers similar melt-in-your-mouth beef with a buttery twist, while Slow Cooker Beef Brisket provides another foolproof method for achieving fall-apart tender meat.

For nights when you want to switch up the protein but keep that same cozy slow cooker convenience, the Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs delivers incredible depth with a touch of sweetness that complements the savory richness beautifully. Each of these recipes shares that same set-it-and-forget-it magic that makes beef bourguignon such a weeknight winner.

Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh

Store leftover beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day as everything continues to meld together.

To reheat, transfer portions to a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through (about 8-10 minutes). You can add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.

Pro tip: I like to freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. It’s like having a gourmet meal ready whenever you need it.

Your Beef Bourguignon Questions Answered

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