There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a slow-cooked stew that’s been simmering all day. This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is rich, savory, and deeply comforting — the kind of classic dish that makes dinner feel effortless and special at the same time.
Tender beef chuck, smoky bacon, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms slowly cook in a flavorful red wine–infused sauce with thyme and garlic. The result is a cozy, old-world style meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly practical for busy days.
If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker dinner that delivers comfort, warmth, and timeless flavor, this beef bourguignon is a reliable classic you’ll want to keep in rotation.
Servings: 6
Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: 181 kcal
Macros (per serving):
Protein: 7g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 3g
Look at the Recipe
- Fall-apart tender beef with rich, savory sauce
- Classic French-inspired comfort food made easy
- Perfect for slow cooker meal prep or family dinners
Ingredients Needed
- 5 slices bacon, diced
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup red cooking wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
- 5 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 pound baby potatoes (tri-color if available)
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Our Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
-
Cook the bacon.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. Transfer bacon to the slow cooker, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the drippings. -
Brown the beef.
Toss beef cubes with flour until lightly coated. In the same skillet, brown the beef in batches using the reserved bacon drippings. Transfer to the slow cooker. -
Build the sauce.
Add red wine, chicken broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. -
Add vegetables.
Stir in carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms, making sure everything is mostly submerged in the liquid. -
Slow cook.
Cover and cook on LOW for 9 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful. -
Finish and serve.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This recipe delivers a deeply comforting slow cooker beef stew with minimal hands-on effort.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over egg noodles.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months — thaw overnight before reheating.
Tips & FAQs
Do I have to brown the beef first?
Browning adds depth and richness, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes. Beef broth will deepen the flavor even more.
Is cooking wine okay to use?
Yes, but a dry red wine you’d drink will give better flavor if available.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Absolutely. The flavors improve overnight, making it great for leftovers.
