Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

$- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 large carrots, sliced - 1 cup pearl onions, peeled - 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf Each of these ingredients plays a key role in building flavor. The beef chuck gives the dish its rich base. Bacon adds depth and a savory note. The vegetables, like onions and carrots, provide sweetness. Garlic adds zest, while mushrooms bring umami. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Olive oil helps with cooking and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of all the ingredients. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a nice touch when serving. Together, these ingredients create a hearty, savory meal that warms your soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by slicing the vegetables. Dice one large onion and mince three cloves of garlic. Slice three large carrots into thin rounds. For added flavor, peel one cup of pearl onions. Quarter eight ounces of mushrooms. Now, prepare the beef. Cut two pounds of beef chuck into one-inch cubes. If you want a richer taste, you can use thick-cut bacon. Chop four slices and set them aside for later. Next, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Crisp it for about five minutes. After it’s crispy, remove it and leave the fat in the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high. Brown the beef cubes in batches. Cook each batch for about five minutes. This step adds flavor, so don’t skip it! Once all the beef is browned, set it aside. In the slow cooker, layer the sautéed ingredients. Start with the browned beef. Add the crispy bacon, onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms. Now, pour in two cups of beef broth. Add one tablespoon of tomato paste, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one bay leaf. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix. Cover your slow cooker and set it. For a low setting, cook for seven to eight hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the high setting for four to five hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender. To make your Beef Bourguignon even better, consider these flavor tips: - Substituting Ingredients: If you want to skip bacon, use pancetta. It adds great flavor. For broth, low-sodium beef broth works well. This helps control salt levels. - Adding Red Wine: A good red wine adds depth to the dish. Look for a dry wine, like Pinot Noir. It enhances the beef’s rich taste and makes the meal feel special. Getting the right texture is key for a great dish: - How to Avoid Tough Beef: Choose beef chuck because it is tender and flavorful. Sear it well before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps lock in juices. - Tips for Vegetable Doneness: Cut your vegetables evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate. Add firmer veggies, like carrots, first. Softer ones, like mushrooms, can go in later for even cooking. Presentation matters, so keep these tips in mind: - Best Sides: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Both soak up the sauce well. They make the meal feel hearty and satisfying. - Presentation Tips: Use deep bowls for serving. This keeps the dish warm. Top with fresh parsley for color. It adds a nice touch and makes the meal more inviting. Pro Tips Choosing the Right Cut: Use beef chuck for the best flavor and tenderness in slow cooking. Layering Flavors: Browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the dish's overall depth of flavor. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Make it Ahead: Beef bourguignon tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or entertaining. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. Try using pork or chicken instead of beef. For a lighter meal, chicken works great. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use hearty mushrooms or lentils. They give a nice texture and taste. You can add more herbs and spices to boost taste. Consider adding rosemary or parsley for a fresh touch. You can also toss in some bay leaves for depth. Different vegetables can change the dish too. Try adding celery or parsnips. They add a new layer of flavor and texture. You can make this meal on the stovetop if you prefer. Brown the meat and veggies, then simmer with the broth. This method takes less time but still gives great flavor. You might also want to try an Instant Pot. It cooks quickly and tenderizes the beef well. Just set it to pressure cook for about 35 minutes. After you finish your meal, let the Beef Bourguignon cool down first. This helps keep your fridge safe. - Store leftovers in an airtight container. - Glass containers work well for easy reheating. - Use smaller containers for quick meals later. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. - First, let the dish cool completely. - Spoon the beef into freezer-safe bags or containers. - Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. - For best taste, eat within three months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have options. - The microwave is quick and easy but can dry out the beef. - The stovetop method is slower but keeps it moist. - For stovetop, add a splash of beef broth while reheating. This helps keep it juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can use other cuts. The best cuts for slow cooking include: - Brisket - Round roast - Short ribs These cuts have more fat and flavor. They break down well over long cooking times. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. In the freezer, they last up to 3 months. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Prepare it the day before and refrigerate it. Just reheat it on the stove or in the slow cooker. This allows the flavors to deepen. A good wine pairing for Beef Bourguignon includes: - Pinot Noir - Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon These wines enhance the rich flavors of the dish. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking! Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a hearty dish made with tender beef and rich flavors. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. Remember to sear the beef and layer ingredients carefully for the best taste. You can try swaps like pork or vegetables for variety. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Now, you can make this dish confidently and impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

A hearty and comforting beef stew slow-cooked to perfection.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 leaf bay leaf
1 cup pearl onions, peeled
8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon (or pancetta) and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
Increase heat to medium-high and brown the beef cubes in batches in the skillet, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside after browning all pieces.
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed, then add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add sliced carrots and mushrooms to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, carrots, garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir everything to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Keyword beef, bourguignon, slow cooker, stew