Are you ready to savor a classic dish that warms both the heart and the stomach? The Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon offers a delightful taste of France, transforming simple ingredients into a rich and comforting meal. This slow-cooked wonder is not only easy to prepare but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons family and friends to gather around the table.
Moreover, the beauty of this timeless recipe lies in its versatility. From cozy weeknight dinners to special occasions, the slow cooker version makes it simple for anyone to enjoy this exquisite beef stew. Join me as we explore the secrets to achieving the perfect Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
What is Beef Bourguignon?
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that beautifully combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered in a rich red wine sauce. Traditionally, it hails from the Burgundy region, where the wine influences its deep flavors. The dish is cooked slowly, allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing the luscious notes of the wine and herbs.
In the realm of slow-cooked meals, *Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon* is a standout, as it harnesses the convenience of a slow cooker to enhance the flavors without requiring constant attention. The ingredients meld together beautifully, making it an ideal dish for cozy family dinners.
For those who love beef dishes, don’t miss out on our slow cooker beef tips with gravy, which offer a similar comforting and flavorsome experience. Whether served alongside crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes, this hearty stew is sure to impress and warm hearts, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
Creating a delicious Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon starts with the right ingredients. To marinate the beef, you will need:
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
- ½ bottle (about 2 cups / 480 ml) dry red wine (preferably Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the hearty stew, gather these ingredients:
- 4 oz (115 g) thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 1 cup (150 g) pearl onions, peeled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For a delightful twist, you might also explore similar beef recipes, like the Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy. Cooking a Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon allows flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a comforting and savory meal.
How to Prepare:
To create a mouthwatering Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, start by marinating the beef. Combine 3 lbs of beef chuck with red wine, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavors.
Next, in a slow cooker, cook 4 oz of diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot, then sauté the chopped onion and thick-cut carrots until slightly softened. Add in 2 tablespoons of flour and stir for one minute before adding beef broth, tomato paste, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Now incorporate the marinated beef, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and (if using) pearl onions. Cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is tender. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. For more pressure cooker meals, check out this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew. For a more detailed recipe, visit Allrecipes.
Tips for Cooking Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
To achieve the best flavor in your Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, start with high-quality beef. Choose chuck roast, as it becomes tender and flavorful after long cooking. Brown the beef in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker; this step enhances the dish with a rich taste. While the beef is browning, sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms for added depth. Don’t forget to deglaze the pan with red wine to capture all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Use fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves for a fragrant finish. A great tip is to pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread. This will help soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re interested in exploring more beef dishes, check out the Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy for a different savory take on slow-cooked beef. Remember, patience is key in achieving a delightful Bourguignon!
Serving Suggestions for Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
To elevate your dining experience with Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, consider pairing it with comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the rich flavors of the beef stew. Their smooth texture balances the hearty ingredients and makes each bite delightful. Alternatively, serve this dish over a bed of egg noodles or wide pasta. The noodles will soak up the aromatic sauce, creating a satisfying meal.
For a refreshing contrast, add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. This will brighten up the palate and cut through the richness of the beef. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving some garlic bread on the side to mop up the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to explore other beef recipes as well; for instance, the Crock Pot Beef Tips with Gravy offers another flavorful twist for beef lovers. Enjoy your meal with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors further, creating a truly classic dining experience!
Storage Tips for Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon:
To properly store your Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, allow it to cool completely before transfer. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer freshness, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, ensuring it stays delicious, similar to how you’d preserve Crock Pot Beef Tips with Gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Beef Bourguignon?
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish, renowned for its rich flavors. It features tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked in red wine, complemented by aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs. Preparing this dish in a slow cooker allows the beef to become exceptionally tender, soaking up the wine’s depth while the vegetables release their essence.
Can I use any type of wine for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?
While a robust red wine is traditional, you can opt for a variety that you enjoy drinking. Burgundy is the classic choice, but Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can work beautifully as well. The key is to use a wine that adds depth without overpowering the dish.
How long should it cook in the slow cooker?
For optimal tenderness and flavor infusion, cooking your Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon for about 7-8 hours on low is ideal. This slow cooking method allows the beef to break down while the flavors meld wonderfully.
What can I serve with Beef Bourguignon?
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. For a comforting twist, you might enjoy it alongside buttery noodles.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making Beef Bourguignon a day ahead can enhance its flavors even more. Just store it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
What makes your recipe different from other Beef Bourguignon recipes?
Our version incorporates unique touches, such as the use of umami-rich ingredients. For example, consider checking out our delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew for inspiration with flavor combinations that can elevate your Bourguignon.
By exploring these frequently asked questions, you can master the art of preparing a satisfying Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.
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Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Comfort in Every Bite
- Total Time: 500
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a rich and hearty stew infused with red wine and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
3 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef
cut into 2-inch cubes
½ bottle dry red wine
3 cloves garlic
minced
2 bay leaves
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 oz thick-cut bacon
diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium carrots
peeled and sliced into thick rounds
1 large onion
chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
8 oz mushrooms
halved or quartered
1 cup pearl onions
peeled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
chopped
for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes, red wine, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the carrots and onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, then gradually add the beef broth, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add the tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, marinated beef with marinade, mushrooms, and pearl onions if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker, add the reserved bacon, and cover. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For the best flavor, marinate the beef overnight. Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 480
- Category: Main dish
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Traditional Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, beef stew, slow cooker recipes, French cuisine, comfort food