Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Hands-Off Cooking : Prep everything in the morning, let the slow cooker do the work, and come home to a ready-to-eat masterpiece.
Rich and Flavorful : The combination of red wine, herbs, and tender beef creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for Meal Prep : This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or batch cooking.
Impress Without Stress : Serve this at dinner parties or special occasions—it’s elegant enough to wow but easy enough for a weeknight.

(Serves 6–8)

2–3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
1 cup red wine (a dry red like Burgundy, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works best)
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
2 bay leaves
1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, sliced into chunks)
1 pound baby potatoes, halved (or small red potatoes, quartered)
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, halved
1 cup frozen pearl onions (or fresh, peeled if available)

Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper . If you have time, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). This step adds extra flavor but is optional—you can skip straight to assembling in the slow cooker if you’re short on time.

Place the beef in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and pearl onions . Stir gently to combine, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours , until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

Discard the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Choose the Right Wine : Use a red wine you’d enjoy drinking—it doesn’t have to be expensive, but avoid “cooking wine,” which often contains added salt.
Skip Browning if Short on Time : While browning the beef enhances flavor, the slow cooker will still produce tender, delicious results without it.
Add Vegetables Later : If you prefer firmer veggies, add the potatoes and carrots halfway through cooking instead of at the start.
Thicken the Sauce : For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon pairs beautifully with:

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is proof that gourmet meals don’t have to be complicated. With its deep, savory flavors and melt