If you have ever dreamed of creating a cozy, restaurant-quality meal right at home with minimal fuss, then this Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection alongside earthy baby potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich, deeply flavorful red wine sauce. It’s comfort food elevated, bursting with layers of flavor that develop over hours in the crockpot, requiring very little hands-on time from you. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into a timeless French classic that will impress and satisfy everyone around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a starring role in the dish’s hearty texture, rich taste, and vibrant color. From the perfectly browned chuck roast to the robust red wine and fresh herbs, every element contributes to an authentic and soul-warming experience.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the beef perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives a lovely texture.
- Chuck roast (3 lb): The star protein, chosen for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.
- Canola or olive oil: For browning the meat, locking in flavor and color.
- Diced onion: Brings a sweet and savory base flavor.
- Baby gold potatoes: Offer a creamy texture and absorb the rich sauce.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Red wine (2 cups): Imparts classic, deep, and fruity notes essential to bourguignon.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Creates a robust and meaty sauce foundation.
- Tomato paste (3 oz): Contributes a subtle acidity and rich umami.
- Light brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the wine and tomato paste perfectly.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Adds aromatic earthiness and freshness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the presentation and flavor with a touch of herbal zest.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Start by cutting your chuck roast into generous 2-inch cubes. This size ensures the meat stays tender and juicy after hours in the crockpot. Then, season it generously with sea salt and black pepper to build that essential base flavor that will translate throughout the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat for Depth
In a large skillet, heat your oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook each piece until it’s beautifully browned on all sides. This step creates those mouthwatering caramelized bits that make the sauce rich and irresistible.
Step 3: Add Flour for Perfect Sauce Thickness
Once browned, add all the meat back into the skillet and sprinkle the flour over it. Stir and sauté for another minute or two until the flour develops a light golden-brown color. This coats the beef and helps thicken the sauce as everything cooks down.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now, it’s time to build your crockpot masterpiece. Place the diced onions, whole baby gold potatoes, browned beef, and chunky carrots in the slow cooker. The layering lets the flavors mingling slowly penetrate every bite.
Step 5: Deglaze with Red Wine
Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the red wine, scraping up those all-important browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two. This step releases flavors and gives your sauce that signature burgundy character.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce Base
Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and light brown sugar to the skillet with the wine. Stir everything together until fully combined and fragrant. This sauce mixture is the heart and soul of the dish, balancing savory, sweet, and tangy perfectly.
Step 7: Combine and Cook Low and Slow
Pour your rich sauce over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. Toss a few sprigs of fresh thyme across the top, cover with the lid, and set it to cook. Let it simmer on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. The slow cooking brings out deep, tender flavors that are worth every minute.
Step 8: Final Touches
When the cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir to blend all the flavors perfectly. Then, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley really wakes up the dish by adding a pop of color and a light herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. You can also try a few extra thyme leaves for an aromatic hint just before serving.
Side Dishes
Though the recipe already includes potatoes and carrots, serving it alongside crusty French bread or buttery mashed potatoes makes it feel extra indulgent. Steamed green beans or a simple side salad bring balance and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, plate the beef and vegetables nestled in shallow bowls with extra sauce ladled over. You can also serve it atop creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles for a comforting twist. Garnishing each serving with a sprig of thyme gives it that final gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those wonderful flavors and tender textures.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the dish cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. Frozen, it stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, but doing it slowly helps keep the beef tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can substitute with other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or short ribs. Just ensure the meat has enough fat to stay juicy during the long cooking time.
Do I have to use red wine in this Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe?
Red wine is key to authentic flavor, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with more beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version. The depth of taste will vary slightly but still be delicious.
Can I add mushrooms to the dish?
Absolutely! Mushrooms are a classic addition to beef bourguignon. Add sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking in the crockpot so they don’t turn mushy but still absorb the rich sauce.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened, but still saucy enough to coat each piece of beef and veggie. The flour and slow cooking work together to achieve this consistency naturally.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before slow cooking?
Browning the meat is highly recommended as it builds rich, deep flavors and a beautiful color. Skipping this step won’t ruin the dish but will result in a less complex taste and a paler sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the ease and depth of flavor that emerges from this Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out with its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and luscious sauce. Whether it’s your first time tackling French cooking or you’re craving a comforting classic, this recipe is a keeper that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your crockpot, gather these simple ingredients, and dive into a slow-cooked feast that feels like home.
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Crockpot Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Crockpot Beef Bourguignon offers a hearty and comforting slow-cooked French classic made easy using a slow cooker. Tender beef chuck roast simmers with red wine, carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a rich, savory stew perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 lb chuck roast, cut into 2” pieces
Seasoning & Coating
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetables
- 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 24 oz baby gold potatoes
- 3 large carrots, cut into large chunks
Liquids & Other
- 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
- 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
- Prepare the meat: Cut the chuck roast into large 2-inch square pieces and season them generously with sea salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Brown the meat: Heat canola or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, browning each piece on all sides to develop a rich crust.
- Coat with flour: After browning, return all meat to the skillet and sprinkle the flour over it. Sauté the meat for 1-2 more minutes until the flour turns a light brown, which will help thicken the stew later.
- Layer ingredients in the crockpot: In your slow cooker, arrange the diced onion at the bottom, followed by the baby gold potatoes, browned meat, and carrot chunks in layers.
- Deglaze the skillet with wine: Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the red wine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom and sides to incorporate all the flavors. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add broth and flavorings: Stir the beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar into the skillet mixture. Simmer while stirring until fully combined and aromatic.
- Combine and add herbs: Pour the skillet mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. Add the fresh thyme sprigs on top and cover with the lid.
- Slow cook the stew: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours in the crockpot. Stir the stew occasionally if desired to evenly distribute flavors.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked and tender, sprinkle the stew with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness before serving.
Notes
- Using chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and flavor.
- Red wine choice affects flavor; opt for dry red wines like Pinot Noir or Burgundy.
- If you prefer thicker stew, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to reduce liquid.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttered noodles.
- Vegetables can be adjusted based on preference—adding mushrooms would be traditional for bourguignon.
