Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a easy French recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Backyard Chef on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 7 hrs 22 min | Total: 8 hrs 7 min

Cost: $26.35 total, $6.59 per serving

Ingredients

  • 900 g Beef Stew Meat (cut into 2‑inch cubes)
  • 6 slices Bacon (diced)
  • 1 large Red Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and cut into large chunks)
  • 2 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced)
  • 200 g Mushrooms (cleaned and quartered)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for coating beef)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 750 ml Red Wine (full bottle, dry)
  • 240 ml Beef Stock (or 1 cup)
  • 1 cube Beef Bouillon Cube (dissolved in 1 cup water)
  • 60 ml Oyster Sauce (1/4 cup)
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 2 tbsp Corn Flour (mixed with equal water to form slurry)
  • 2 tbsp Parsley (fresh, chopped for garnish)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables & Bacon

    Dice the red onion, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms into bite‑size pieces. Mince the garlic and dice the bacon into small cubes.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Season and Flour Beef

    Generously season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then toss them in 3 tbsp of all‑purpose flour, shaking off excess.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Render Bacon

    In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Sear Beef

    Increase the heat to medium‑high and add the flour‑coated beef to the skillet. Brown the pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Sauté Onions & Garlic

    Add the diced red onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook another minute.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Add Tomato Paste and Deglaze

    Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in the entire bottle of red wine, scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Transfer to Slow Cooker

    Place the seared beef, rendered bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and all prepared vegetables into the slow cooker. Add the beef stock, dissolved bouillon cube, oyster sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and the remaining red wine.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Slow Cook

    Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 7 hours, or until the beef is fork‑tender.

    Time: PT7H

    Temperature: Low (≈190°F / 88°C)

  9. Thicken the Gravy

    In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp corn flour with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker, replace the lid, and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes until thickened.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: High (≈200°F / 93°C)

  10. Finish & Serve

    Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle chopped parsley over each serving for color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten, Contains pork, Contains alcohol (cooked off), Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Wheat, Pork

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Recipe by Backyard Chef

A classic French beef bourguignon made easy in a slow cooker. Tender beef cubes, bacon, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and a rich red‑wine gravy come together for a comforting, hearty main dish.

EasyFrenchServes 4

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Source Video
27m
Prep
7h 28m
Cook
57m
Cleanup
8h 52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$26.35
Total cost
$6.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rendering bacon to create flavorful fat.
  • Searing the beef to develop a deep brown crust.
  • Deglazing with red wine to lift fond.
  • Slow cooking for 7 hours on low for tenderness.
  • Thickening the gravy with a corn‑flour slurry.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and hot wine with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the slow cooker lid after long cooking.
  • Ensure the slow cooker is placed on a stable, heat‑resistant surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Beef Bourguignon in French cuisine?

A

Beef Bourguignon originates from the Burgundy region of France, where red wine and beef are staple ingredients. Historically it was a peasant dish that turned humble cuts of meat into a luxurious stew using local wine, and it has become a symbol of French rustic elegance.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Beef Bourguignon in French cuisine?

A

In Burgundy the classic version uses red wine, pearl onions, and mushrooms. Some regions add carrots or potatoes, while others incorporate bacon lardons for extra depth. A Provençal twist may include herbs de Provence and tomatoes.

cultural
Q

How is Beef Bourguignon traditionally served in France?

A

Traditionally it is served hot, ladled over buttery mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty French bread. A side of green beans or a simple green salad completes the meal, and a glass of the same Burgundy wine used in cooking is often enjoyed alongside.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Beef Bourguignon traditionally associated with in French culture?

A

Beef Bourguignon is a popular dish for family gatherings, holiday meals such as Christmas or New Year's, and rustic weekend lunches. Its slow‑cooked nature makes it ideal for leisurely meals with friends.

cultural
Q

How does Beef Bourguignon fit into the broader French cuisine tradition?

A

It exemplifies the French technique of braising, where meat is browned then slowly cooked in liquid. The dish showcases the French love of layering flavors—bacon, wine, aromatics—and turning simple ingredients into a refined, comforting stew.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Beef Bourguignon versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include beef chuck, bacon lardons, red Burgundy wine, beef stock, pearl onions, carrots, mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaves. Substitutes can be any dry red wine, beef broth instead of stock, and pancetta for bacon, but the flavor profile changes slightly.

cultural
Q

What common misconceptions exist about Beef Bourguignon?

A

Many think the dish must be made with expensive cuts of meat, but traditional recipes use tougher, cheaper cuts that become tender through slow braising. Another myth is that it requires a fancy French oven; a simple slow cooker works perfectly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef Bourguignon at home?

A

Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the beef, which prevents proper browning. Do not skip deglazing with wine, as the fond adds essential flavor. Also, resist the urge to lift the slow‑cooker lid frequently, which prolongs cooking time.

technical
Q

Why does this Beef Bourguignon recipe use a flour coating on the beef instead of just seasoning?

A

Coating the beef with flour helps create a light roux during searing, which later thickens the sauce naturally. It also locks in seasoning and gives the stew a richer, velvety texture without adding extra thickening agents later.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Beef Bourguignon is done cooking in the slow cooker?

A

The beef should be fork‑tender, easily breaking apart with a gentle pull. The vegetables should be soft but not falling apart, and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon with a glossy sheen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Backyard Chef specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Backyard Chef focuses on easy, family‑friendly recipes that can be made with minimal equipment, often featuring outdoor cooking, slow‑cooker meals, and backyard grilling techniques.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Backyard Chef?

A

Backyard Chef emphasizes simple, step‑by‑step instructions, using everyday ingredients and tools so home cooks can create flavorful meals without fuss. The channel often highlights lazy‑cook shortcuts while still delivering authentic taste.

channel

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