Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy is a French-inspired dish featuring slow-cooked beef in a rich red wine sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and earthy mushrooms. The long, slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that’s hearty, tender, and packed with deep, savory notes. This classic comfort meal is perfect for cozy nights at home, special family gatherings, or anytime you crave a satisfying, slow-cooked meal.
Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. The combination of slow-braised beef, velvety sauce, and fragrant herbs makes this dish an irresistible dinner option. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can let the magic happen while you go about your day!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup pearl onions
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Season beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add mushrooms, carrots, and pearl onions. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in tomato paste.
- Pour in the red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
- Transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix flour and butter into a paste. Stir into the slow cooker and let cook for another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Rich History of Beef Burgundy (Boeuf Bourguignon)
Beef Burgundy, or Boeuf Bourguignon, is a beloved French dish with roots in the Burgundy region, known for its world-class wines and rich culinary traditions. This dish was originally a humble peasant meal, made with inexpensive cuts of beef slow-cooked in red wine to create a tender, flavorful dish. Over time, it became a staple in French cuisine, thanks in part to the legendary chef Julia Child, who popularized it in her cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Today, Beef Burgundy remains a timeless comfort food, served in both home kitchens and high-end restaurants.
Our Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy offers all the deep, rich flavors of the traditional recipe but with the convenience of a slow cooker. This means you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why This Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy is the Best
- Hands-Free Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the beef to slowly tenderize while soaking up the rich red wine sauce.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavors at Home: With carefully selected ingredients, this dish boasts a luxurious depth of flavor that rivals any fine dining experience.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with protein from the beef and loaded with vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and onions, this dish is both hearty and nutritious.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s nothing more satisfying than coming home to the aroma of slow-cooked beef in a luscious wine sauce, ready to be served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender after hours of simmering.
- Red Wine: A key ingredient in traditional French cuisine, red wine enhances the depth of flavor and adds a rich, velvety texture to the sauce. Choose a dry red like Pinot Noir or Merlot for the best results.
- Mushrooms & Carrots: These veggies add an earthy sweetness and complement the beef perfectly.
- Pearl Onions: Their mild, slightly sweet taste brings an added layer of flavor to the dish.
- Herbs & Spices: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves infuse the dish with warmth and aroma.
- Flour & Butter: This combination thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth, silky texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy
The best way to enjoy this dish is with classic side dishes that soak up the incredible sauce. Here are some great options:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness pairs beautifully with the deep flavors of the sauce.
- Egg Noodles: A traditional choice that allows you to swirl up every last drop of the wine-infused gravy.
- Crusty French Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich stew.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy
- Sear the Beef First: While it’s tempting to skip this step, browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that makes a big difference in the final dish.
- Use Quality Wine: Since wine is a main ingredient, using a good-quality bottle (something you would drink) will enhance the taste. Avoid cheap cooking wines.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours allows the flavors to fully develop and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Thicken the Sauce Properly: Mixing butter with flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option) ensures a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy
1. Can I Make This Dish Without Wine?
Yes! While wine is traditional, you can substitute it with extra beef broth or a mix of beef broth and grape juice for a similar depth of flavor.
2. Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Beef chuck is ideal, but other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or short ribs also work well. Avoid lean cuts, as they can become tough.
3. Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
4. How Do I Reheat This Dish Without Drying Out the Beef?
Reheat on low heat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker on the warm setting. Add a splash of beef broth or wine to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Pairing Wine with Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy
Since this dish is cooked with red wine, it’s best to serve it with a similar wine for a seamless pairing. Some great choices include:
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red that complements the dish without overpowering it.
- Merlot: Smooth and fruity, it enhances the richness of the beef.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied wine that pairs well with the bold flavors of this dish.
For a non-alcoholic pairing, try a dark cherry or pomegranate juice, which offers a similar deep fruitiness.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, gourmet-quality meal, Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy is the perfect dish. It combines the comfort of home-cooked food with the sophistication of French cuisine, all without the hassle of standing over the stove for hours.
✔️ Effortless Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work for you.
✔️ Rich, Savory Flavors – A restaurant-worthy meal at home.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish always impresses.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable cuts of beef and simple pantry ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy is the ultimate comfort dish that brings French elegance to your home kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for chilly nights or a cozy dinner with loved ones. The slow cooking process makes the beef tender and allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a dish that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to master and guarantees delicious results. Serve it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles, and enjoy a taste of France in every bite.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy one of the most indulgent, flavorful meals you’ll ever make!
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic Made Easy
Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy is the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, bringing the rich, deep flavors of French cuisine to your home kitchen with minimal effort. By letting the slow cooker do the work, you achieve tender, fall-apart beef in a luxurious red wine sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and hearty vegetables.
This dish is not just about great taste—it’s about convenience, tradition, and versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a special occasion, it delivers a warm, satisfying meal every time. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.
If you love slow-cooked, restaurant-quality meals with rich, bold flavors, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread, and enjoy a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Try this recipe today and bring a taste of France into your home—one slow-cooked bite at a time!