What could be cozier than having crock pot bourguignon simmering away on your stovetop? Also known as ‘beef Burgundy’ in English, this classic French dish is a hearty winter favorite. It’s a slow-cooked stew of tender meat, red wine and a medley of well-seasoned fresh vegetables. And we do mean slow-cooked—bourguignon takes about nine hours to make. Start it in the morning on a leisurely Sunday morning and it’ll be ready in time for dinner.
Crock Pot Bourguignon Ingredients
- Bacon: The rendered bacon fat sears the beef and truly elevates this dish’s flavor.
- Boneless beef chuck roast: Cooking the beef in a crock pot with wine and beef broth gives the meat a distinctively juicy, tender texture—make sure you’re using boneless beef chuck, as tough cuts of meat like this soak up the flavor nicely.
- Condensed beef broth: Kick things up a notch using homemade beef stock.
- Onion: You could also brown the onions in a separate pan for more flavor.
- Butter: Butter adds a (quite necessary) depth and richness to crock pot Bourguignon.
- Tomato paste: Tomato paste (as opposed to tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes) will give bourguignon a nice umami and thickness.
- Garlic: You can better distribute the garlic flavor by mincing it.
- Thyme: Thyme can withstand the long cooking time of bourguignon, so it’s the best herb to use here.
- Bay leaf: Yes, this one little leaf can make a difference—it adds flavor complexity to stews like this one (as long as you use a freshly dried bay leaf, not one from a container that’s been in your cabinet for months).
- Mushrooms: Keep the mushrooms large by cutting them into quarters or halves if you’d prefer your bourguignon to have a chunkier texture
- Burgundy wine or beef broth: Use a good wine (something full-bodied and dry from France); you can tell the difference in the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour lightly thickens the sauce.
- Hot cooked noodles and minced fresh parsley (optional): If you prefer, you could also opt for potatoes instead of pasta. Fresh parsley adds a welcome herby flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the strips to paper towels. Brown the beef in the same pan, then drain.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t wash the pan! Use the bacon fat to cook the beef.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients in a slow cooker
Place the beef and bacon in a 5-quart slow cooker. Add the broth, onion, carrot, butter, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender (about seven to eight hours).
Step 3: Thicken the sauce
Next, add the mushrooms and wine. Combine the flour and water until smooth, then gradually stir this into the slow cooker. Cover and cook until thickened, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Editor’s Tip: Skim any fat that floats to the surface of the stew before serving.
Step 4:Â Prepare to serve
Discard the bay leaf. Serve with noodles and parsley, if desired.
Crock Pot Bourguignon Variations
- Add celery: Another slow-cooked veggie like celery is always welcome in beef bourguignon in a crock pot.
- Substitute mushrooms: If you don’t like mushrooms or don’t have them on hand, artichoke hearts are a yummy substitute.
How to Store Crock Pot Bourguignon
Store the bourguignon in airtight containers in the fridge. It will taste delicious after even two days because the flavors will meld together even more.
Can you store crock pot bourguignon in the freezer?
Yes, bourguignon will stay good in the freezer for two to three months.
Crock Pot Bourguignon Tips
What cut of beef is best for crock pot bourguignon?
Use stew meat, chuck or any cut of beef that you’d typically braise. Tough, inexpensive cuts of beef make the best  homemade beef stews.
What do you serve with crock pot bourguignon?
Serve your bourguignon with mashed potatoes instead of egg noodles for traditional French flair. Homemade biscuits are great for soaking up the beef stews flavorful juices, even though they are not traditionally served with this dish. For a variety of complementary menu ideas, check out our favorite French recipes for fresh salads, hearty soups and irresistible sweets.
What kind of wine should you use in slow-cooker beef burgundy?
A full-bodied French wine is the ideal pick. Avoid wine packaged exclusively for cooking, as it’s high in added salt and can negatively affect the flavor.
