Bowl of slow-cooked beef bourguignon with carrots and herbs in rich red wine sauce under warm natural light.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

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Created on November 2nd, 2025 at 04:17 pm

A French classic made effortlessly tender

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon transforms a timeless French classic into an approachable, one-pot masterpiece. Tender beef slowly braised in red wine, garlic, and herbs creates layers of deep, rich flavor — all without the fuss of standing over a stove. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, leaving you free to go about your day while your kitchen fills with that unmistakable aroma of comfort and sophistication.

Bowl of slow-cooked beef bourguignon with carrots and herbs in rich red wine sauce under warm natural light.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

A smiling woman in a modern kitchen, wearing a brown apron, preparing a delicious dish with fresh ingredients.Sorrel Calver
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon transforms a timeless French classic into an easy, one-pot comfort meal. Tender beef braised in red wine, garlic, and herbs creates deep flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into cubes
  • 1 cup red wine Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 medium carrots sliced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat a skillet and sear beef chunks until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
  • In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots for 3 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato paste and flour, coating vegetables well.
  • Add red wine and broth, scraping up browned bits, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  • Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  • Remove bay leaf and serve warm with potatoes or bread.

Notes

Use a dry red wine for the best flavor. Add mushrooms or pearl onions for a traditional touch. This dish tastes even better the next day.
Keyword beef bourguignon, french comfort food, one pot dinner, slow cooker recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the heart of French comfort cooking right to your home — without the intimidation factor. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering for hours in red wine and herbs, while the carrots, onions, and garlic infuse every spoonful with warmth. The sauce reduces into a silky, savory blanket that coats each piece perfectly. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a crusty loaf of bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day — proof that some things truly do get richer with time.

Close-up of beef bourguignon served in a white bowl with carrots, herbs, and red wine sauce, bright daylight.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6


Ingredients

Main:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
  • 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir recommended)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

You’ll need:

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions 🍷✨

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear beef chunks until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots for 3 minutes to bring out flavor.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and flour, coating the vegetables well.
  4. Pour in red wine and broth, scraping up any browned bits, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
  5. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is thickened.
  7. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Pro Tips

  • Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day; store in the fridge and reheat gently.
  • Add Depth: A handful of mushrooms or pearl onions adds authentic French flair.

French Comfort, Made Simple

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is proof that gourmet flavor doesn’t need complicated technique. The slow simmering builds rich depth and tenderness while keeping the process beautifully simple. It’s comforting, elegant, and hearty — perfect for cozy weekends, dinner guests, or anyone who appreciates a slow-cooked classic done right.


Nutrition Table

NutrientAmount (per serving)
Calories340 kcal
Protein28 g
Fat18 g
Carbohydrates14 g
Fiber3 g
Sugar4 g
Sodium420 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

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