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There’s a certain charm that comes from gathering around the dinner table on a chilly evening, and nothing embodies that warmth better than a pot of Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with the enticing aroma of herbs and hearty beef, transporting you straight to a cozy French bistro. Imagine tender chunks of beef braised to perfection in a rich red wine sauce, surrounded by earthy mushrooms and sweet carrots—each bite tells a story of tradition and comfort.

After a long day, this recipe is a savior, allowing you to embrace the flavors of homemade cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. With most of the cooking time hands-off, you can unwind while your delicious stew simmers away. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or enjoying a family night in, this Beef Bourguignon is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Ready to embark on this delectable journey? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon so special?

Comforting Aroma: As it simmers, your kitchen fills with a heavenly scent that evokes memories of cozy family dinners and chilly evenings.
Hands-Off Cooking: With the majority of the work done in the oven, you can enjoy your evening while this dish does the heavy lifting.
Rich, Layered Flavors: Each ingredient—from tender beef to savory mushrooms—melds into an unforgettable blend that tantalizes the taste buds.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether hosting guests or treating your family, this dish is the perfect crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for seconds.
Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttery egg noodles to soak up that luscious sauce. Don’t forget to check out more cozy recipes to keep the comfort going!

Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Ingredients

For the Stew Base
• Beef Chuck – Look for well-marbled chunks for optimal tenderness after slow cooking; avoid lean cuts like sirloin.
• Bacon – Adds richness and depth to the flavor base; can substitute with pancetta for a different taste.
• Carrots (3 large) – Adds sweetness and texture; substitute with parsnips for a different flavor profile.
• Yellow Onion (1, diced) – Provides foundation flavor; versatile for swapping with shallots.
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced) – Enhances aroma and depth; use roasted garlic for a sweeter note.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Contributes richness and body to the sauce; can replace with a bit of canned tomatoes.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp total) – For sautéing and flavor enhancement; can use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Burgundy Wine (2 cups) – Major flavor component, use a drinkable quality wine – avoid cooking wine; substitute with another full-bodied red wine.
• Beef Broth (2 cups) – Adds umami; use homemade or low-sodium versions.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 tbsp) – Thickens the sauce; for gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.

For the Herb Infusion
• Fresh Thyme (2 sprigs) – Essential for aroma; can substitute with dried herbs (adjust quantities).
• Bay Leaves (2) – Adds depth of flavor; remember to remove them before serving.

For the Final Touches
• Cremini Mushrooms (16 oz, quartered) – Adds earthy flavor; any similar mushroom can work.
• Pearl Onions (10 oz, thawed) – Adds sweetness and texture; replace with chopped regular onions if unavailable.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – Essential seasoning; adjust amounts to taste for this hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for developing those rich flavors as everything bakes together.
Cook Bacon: In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove and set it aside, leaving the delicious fat behind for the next steps.
Brown the Beef: Season the beef chuck with salt and pepper. In batches, brown the beef in the bacon fat, taking about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Don’t overcrowd the pot!
Sauté Veggies: Add diced onion and carrot to the pot, sautéing them with 2 tablespoons of butter until they’re softened, roughly 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Mix Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and flour to form a paste-like consistency. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and enhance the flavors.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the Burgundy wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Next, add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and seared beef with bacon back into the pot. Mix gently.
Simmer & Bake: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and then transfer the pot to the oven. Let it cook for about 2.5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and flavorful.
Cook Mushrooms: In a skillet, sauté the quartered cremini mushrooms in the remaining butter until they are golden brown. Add the thawed pearl onions and cook together for an additional 5 minutes.
Combine & Adjust Cook Time: Stir the sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions into the beef mixture in the oven. Cover again and return to the oven for another 45-60 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.
Rest & Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before serving—it allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop further.

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon dishes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can chop the vegetables and sauté the bacon up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can combine the beef, wine, broth, and seasonings in the pot, letting the flavors meld in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, just add the sautéed veggies, deglaze the pot, and pop it in the oven. This makes for an effortlessly delicious meal while ensuring your Beef Bourguignon is just as tasty as when made fresh!

Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists that will make your Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon experience even more special!

Lamb Swap: Replace beef with tender lamb shanks for a unique flavor profile that still captures the classic essence of the dish.
Vegetarian Delight: For a meatless version, use hearty mushrooms and lentils; their earthy flavors will maintain the comforting nature of the stew.
Root Veggies Boost: Add chunks of potatoes or rutabaga for added heartiness and a wonderful texture contrast against the beef.
Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the richness of the wine sauce—perfect for spice lovers!
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh rosemary or sage in place of thyme to introduce a fragrant twist that feels fresh and seasonal.
Creamy Touch: Stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream just before serving for a rich, creamy texture that enhances each bite.
Wine Variety: Swap Burgundy for a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon for a deeper flavor profile—each wine brings its own unique character to the stew.
Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle in chopped walnuts or hazelnuts during the last few minutes of cooking for a delightful crunch that adds texture and nutty notes.

With these variations, each bowl of Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon can tell a different story, making it a versatile and beloved recipe in your home. Happy cooking!

Expert Tips for Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

Browning Beef: Ensure the beef is well-browned to develop deep flavors—avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lead to steaming instead of searing.
Wine Quality Matters: Use a high-quality Burgundy wine; the better the wine, the better the taste of your Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon will be.
Don’t Rush It: Low and slow cooking is crucial; rushing will compromise the tenderness of the beef and the depth of flavor.
Rest before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for about 30 minutes after cooking. This enhances the flavor and gives the sauce time to thicken.
Thickening Tips: If the sauce is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a short while before serving.

What to Serve with Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon?

Creating the perfect meal around your comforting stew transforms it into a culinary masterpiece that delights every bite.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture perfectly complements the hearty beef, soaking up the savory sauce while delivering a comforting side dish.
Buttery Egg Noodles: Light and delicate, these noodles provide a wonderful balance to the stew’s richness, making each forkful a delightful experience.
Crusty French Bread: The perfect vessel for sopping up the luscious sauce, crusty bread adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef.
Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the stew, offering a bright, crisp element to your plate.

Imagine a glass of red wine alongside, embracing the essence of the dish and enhancing the flavors even more—it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Meanwhile, a slice of chocolate tart or rich puff pastry dessert rounds off the meal beautifully with something sweet to savor. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a truly special evening!

How to Store and Freeze Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

Fridge: Store the Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious!
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or wine if the sauce has thickened too much. Enjoy every bit!
Serving Suggestions: Serve again with fresh crusty bread or over buttery egg noodles to relive that comforting meal experience.

Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon Recipe FAQs

What should I consider when selecting beef for the Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon?
Absolutely! Look for well-marbled beef chuck for the best tenderness after long cooking. Cuts like sirloin will yield a tougher result, so avoid them. The fat in chuck enhances flavor and helps keep the meat juicy throughout the cooking process.

How should I store the Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon after making it?
You can store your Beef Bourguignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s amazing how the flavors deepen as it sits, giving you even more delicious leftovers to enjoy!

Can I freeze Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon?
Yes, you can! Pour the cooled stew into airtight containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or wine if the sauce thickens too much.

What if my beef becomes tough while cooking?
Very! If the beef isn’t tender after the specified cooking time, it may need more time to break down. Simply cover the pot, return it to the oven, and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes, checking for tenderness at intervals. Low and slow are your best friends here for get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
For sure! Make sure to check for allergies among your guests, particularly to beef or dairy. Also, keep in mind that this dish is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily swap it out for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to cater to those needs.

How should I serve Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon?
I recommend serving this rich, hearty stew with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness beautifully!