Rustic French Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Recipe for Dinner

Mastering a classic beef bourguignon in your slow cooker brings French culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Hearty chunks of meat transform through gentle, patient simmering into tender, flavor-packed bites.

Wine-soaked beef becomes a luxurious comfort that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Robust red wine and aromatic herbs weave a complex tapestry of taste throughout this traditional dish.

Rustic ingredients combine with minimal effort to create a restaurant-worthy meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Home cooks can easily replicate this legendary stew with just a few simple steps.

Let this recipe transport you to a cozy French countryside kitchen, where every spoonful tells a delicious story.

Ingredients In Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Beef Chuck Roast: A rich, marbled cut that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky depth and crispy texture to the classic French stew.

• Carrots, Potatoes, Mushrooms: These hearty vegetables provide earthy flavors and substantial texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic base to the overall flavor profile.

• Red Wine, Beef Broth: Create a deep, complex braising liquid that tenderizes the meat and builds rich flavor.
• Tomato Sauce, Soy Sauce: Enhance the umami and add depth to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a silky consistency.

• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide bright, herbal notes and a fresh finish to the dish.

How To Cook Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Crispy

Cook bacon in a skillet until it turns golden and crisp. Break or chop the bacon into smaller pieces and transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Brown Beef to Perfection

Pat beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the meat in the remaining bacon fat until a rich, caramel-colored crust forms. Carefully move the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Soy sauce

Whisk flour into the liquid until smooth and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Layer Aromatic Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Sliced carrots
• Diced potatoes
• Whole or quartered mushrooms

Gently stir all ingredients to combine.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Cover and cook on low setting for 8-10 hours or on high setting for 6 hours. The beef should become meltingly tender and easily fall apart.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Ladle into deep bowls and enjoy this rich, comforting French-inspired stew.

Smart Tips For Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Bacon Boost: Crisp the bacon to golden perfection for rich, smoky flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dish.
• Beef Searing Secret: Pat meat dry and season generously before searing to create a delicious caramelized crust that locks in juices.
• Wine Wisdom: Use a good quality dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir to enhance the complex flavor profile of the stew.
• Vegetable Variation: Cut vegetables into uniform size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the slow cooker.
• Thickening Trick: Whisk flour into sauce carefully to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky consistency for the beef bourguignon.

Flavorful Variations For Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Vegetarian Bourguignon: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or seitan chunks for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Lamb Bourguignon: Swap beef with tender lamb shoulder for a rich, gamey flavor profile that complements the red wine sauce.
• Low-Carb Version: Eliminate potatoes and replace with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic stew texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Best Pairings For Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• Savor Perfect Wine Pairing: Choose a robust Burgundy red wine like Pinot Noir, matching the recipe's origin and complementing the rich beef flavors with its smooth, earthy undertones.
• Match Hearty Side Dishes: Serve creamy mashed potatoes or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the meal's texture and absorbing the deep, complex flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Accompaniments: Add a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the heavy meat preparation.
• Create Aromatic Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the dish to brighten flavors, adding a fresh, green note that lifts the entire culinary experience.

Storing Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Correctly

• Transfer cooled beef bourguignon to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other food odors.
• Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into a saucepan, add splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying.

FAQ Section For Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker

• What makes beef bourguignon a classic French dish?

Beef bourguignon originated in Burgundy, France, and traditionally uses red Burgundy wine, creating a rich, deeply flavored stew that showcases the region’s culinary heritage.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute with lamb or pork for a similar slow-cooked, hearty meal that maintains the dish’s robust flavor profile.

• Is beef bourguignon considered a difficult recipe to make?

Despite its elegant reputation, this slow cooker version simplifies the classic recipe, making it accessible for home cooks with minimal cooking skills and effort.

• Why does the recipe include soy sauce?

Soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the dish, enhancing the meat’s richness and creating a more complex taste without changing the traditional French character of the stew.

Why Mary Berry Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Is A Comfort Staple

• Craft Comfort Cuisine: Transform simple ingredients into a rich, hearty French-inspired dish that warms the soul and impresses dinner guests without complicated techniques.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Sear meat, toss ingredients in slow cooker, and let the appliance do the hard work while developing deep, complex flavors throughout the day.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify meal preparation by cooking everything in a single device, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess while creating a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and savory sauce.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Provide a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages, offering tender meat, robust vegetables, and a delicious sauce that makes everyone excited to gather around the table.

Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes – 10 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich, hearty Beef Bourguignon emerges as a classic French culinary masterpiece, elevating comfort food to an art form. Slow-cooked beef melts with red wine’s depth, inviting you to savor each luxurious, tender bite of this soulful countryside classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) boneless beef chuck cut to 1-inch cubes
• 5 slices bacon, finely chopped

Vegetables:

• 5 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 pound (454 grams) baby potatoes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) red cooking wine
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
• 2 tablespoons thyme, finely chopped
• fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render bacon in a skillet until crisp and mahogany-colored, allowing fat to release. Transfer bacon pieces to slow cooker.
2. Pat beef cuts dry, then liberally season with salt and pepper. Sear meat in residual bacon drippings until deep golden crust forms on all sides. Carefully move browned meat into slow cooker.
3. Deglaze skillet with robust red wine, scraping up caramelized bits. Reduce liquid slightly, then incorporate beef broth, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Whisk flour into liquid to create smooth, thickening base.
4. Pour prepared sauce over meat and bacon in slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Mince fresh garlic and sprinkle along with fragrant thyme leaves. Add chunky carrot pieces, quartered potatoes, and sliced earthy mushrooms. Gently mix ingredients to distribute evenly.
6. Cover and cook on low temperature for 8 hours or high setting for 6 hours, until beef becomes fork-tender and vegetables are succulent.
7. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and aromatic finish.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and better texture, ensuring it renders fat effectively during initial cooking.
• Select well-marbled beef chuck roast to guarantee tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat after slow cooking.
• Searing beef creates deep caramelization, developing complex flavor profiles by triggering Maillard reaction.
• Opt for dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir to enhance traditional French bourguignon authenticity and depth.
• Consider using gluten-free flour alternative for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals without compromising sauce consistency.
• Remove excess bacon fat before adding remaining ingredients to control overall dish richness and prevent greasiness.
• Allow meat to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to help proteins relax and retain maximum moisture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-10 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg