Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: How To Save Time And Money While

Indulge in the rich flavors of Burgundy with our comprehensive guide on how to make beef bourguignon in a slow cooker. This classic French dish, with its tender beef and aromatic sauce, is a culinary masterpiece that will impress your taste buds and transport you to the heart of the French countryside.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound small mushrooms, such as button or cremini, cleaned
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Season the Beef and Dredge in Flour

Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the flour and seasoned beef. Toss until the beef is evenly coated.

Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Deglaze the Skillet

Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a boil and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to a large slow cooker. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and the reduced red wine.

Cook Low and Slow

Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Add the Mushrooms

About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the mushrooms to the slow cooker.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the chopped parsley.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the beef bourguignon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic French dish.

Tips for Perfect Beef Bourguignon

• Use a good quality red wine. The wine will enhance the flavor of the dish, so choose one that you enjoy drinking.
• Don’t overcook the beef. The beef should be tender but not mushy.
• Serve the beef bourguignon with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations on Beef Bourguignon

• Add bacon: For a richer flavor, add some bacon to the dish.
• Use different vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as parsnips or turnips.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour to dredge the beef and make the dish gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I thicken the sauce in beef bourguignon?

If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir until smooth. Add the slurry to the sauce and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it boils.

Can I use a different type of beef?

Yes, you can use a different type of beef, such as sirloin or brisket. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

Can I make beef bourguignon ahead of time?

Yes, you can make beef bourguignon ahead of time. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the dish over low heat until warmed through.