Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: 7 Delicious Reasons to Try

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487646H36M34S
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir); 2 cups beef broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups carrots, sliced; 2 cups mushrooms, quartered; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

There are days when life feels like a juggling act—work deadlines, soccer practice, and maybe even a forgotten load of laundry waiting in the dryer. That’s when recipes like Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon swoop in to save the day. It’s a dish that sounds fancy (because let’s be honest, French names always do), but it practically cooks itself while you go about your busy life. By the time dinner rolls around, you’re greeted by tender beef, rich wine-infused sauce, and veggies that taste like they’ve been slow dancing in flavor all day.

This isn’t just dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon has a reputation as a restaurant-worthy meal, but the slow cooker makes it weeknight-friendly. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Set it and forget it: Toss in your ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic, and dinner is ready when you are.
Rich flavor without fuss: That red wine and beef broth combo? Pure cozy bliss.
Perfect for busy families: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to stretch a budget, this dish hits all the right notes.
Leftovers that shine: Honestly, it tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir works beautifully)
2 cups beef broth
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups mushrooms, quartered
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Don’t skip this step—it adds that deep, savory flavor that makes the whole dish shine. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same skillet (because hello, fewer dishes), sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add them into the slow cooker with the beef.

Step 3: Load the Flavor

Toss in the carrots, mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together like the culinary rockstar you are.

Step 4: Let It Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve. Pro tip: This pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a hunk of crusty bread. (Trust me—you’ll want something to soak up that sauce.)

Tips for the Best Beef Bourguignon

Pick the right cut: Beef chuck is your best friend here—affordable, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking.
Don’t skip the wine: It’s what makes this dish feel special. If you wouldn’t sip it, don’t cook with it.
Thicken the sauce (if you like): If your sauce feels a little thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes.
Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day—hello, meal prep win!

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, I was intimidated by the name alone. It sounded like something Julia Child would scold me for mispronouncing. But after tossing everything in my slow cooker before heading out for a busy day, I came home to a house that smelled like a cozy French bistro. My family practically ran to the table, and let’s just say there were zero leftovers.

Now, it’s one of those “special” dinners that actually requires almost no effort. And that’s the kind of recipe I can always get behind.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with tender beef chunks, carrots, and baby potatoes in a rich wine sauce, served in a white bowl. — A hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon filled with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes in a rich, savory red wine sauce.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Can I make this without wine?

Yes! Just replace the wine with extra beef broth. You’ll miss a little depth of flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for future busy nights.

Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?

Absolutely. Just chop them into chunks and add them in with the carrots and mushrooms.

Bring Cozy Comfort to Your Table

At the end of a long day, Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is exactly the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor, and feel at home. With rich flavors, tender beef, and a sauce that begs for bread-dipping, this dish turns an ordinary evening into something special—without you spending hours in the kitchen.

So go ahead, let your slow cooker work its magic. Dinner’s practically already done.

More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved the rich, hearty flavors of this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, you might also enjoy a few of my other comfort-filled recipes:

For another slow-simmered classic, try my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu—perfect with pasta or polenta.
Craving something with a little spice? This Slow Cooker Beef Curry is packed with warming flavors that make weeknights exciting.
If you’re a fan of Italian-inspired comfort, my cheesy, layered Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is always a family favorite.
And when you want another hearty beef dish, don’t miss the savory goodness of Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole.

These recipes pair beautifully with the cozy vibes of beef bourguignon, giving you more “set it and forget it” meals to keep dinnertime stress-free.