ADVERTISEMENT
### **Step 2: Brown the Beef and Bacon**
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of **olive oil**. Once hot, add the **bacon** (or lardons) to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the seasoned beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish by developing a rich crust on the beef. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker and set aside.
### **Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same skillet, add the diced **onions** and **carrots** and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the **garlic** and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
### **Step 4: Add the Wine and Broth**
Pour in the **red wine**, **beef broth**, and **herbs** (thyme, bay leaves). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon and add them to the slow cooker. These browned bits contain tons of flavor and will enhance the dish.
### **Step 5: Slow Cook**
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for **6-8 hours** or high for **3-4 hours**. The slow cooker will work its magic, tenderizing the beef and melding the flavors of the wine, bacon, vegetables, and herbs. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
### **Step 6: Add the Mushrooms**
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the **mushrooms** to the slow cooker. Stir them into the sauce and let them cook until they’re tender and have absorbed the flavors of the dish.
### **Step 7: Thicken the Sauce**
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the beef and vegetables from the slow cooker and set them aside. To thicken the sauce, make a **roux** by melting **butter** in a small saucepan and whisking in **flour**. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, then slowly whisk in a ladle of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Once combined, pour the thickened sauce back into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
### **Step 8: Finish and Serve**
Return the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker and stir everything together. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** before serving.
### **Serving Suggestions**
Serve your **Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon** over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a bed of rice. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for sopping up the rich, flavorful sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir, which complements the flavors of the beef and wine sauce.
## Variations and Tips
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize it:
– **Add Potatoes**: You can add **diced potatoes** to the slow cooker for a heartier dish. Potatoes soak up the sauce and make it even more comforting.
– **Make It Spicier**: For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of **crushed red pepper flakes** to the sauce.
– **Use Different Meats**: Although beef is the classic choice, you can try this recipe with **lamb** or **pork** for a different take on the dish.
– **Gluten-Free Option**: If you need a gluten-free version, use a **gluten-free flour** to thicken the sauce.
– **Vegetarian Version**: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with **mushrooms** and **lentils** and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
## Conclusion
**Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon** is the perfect dish to make when you want a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a special treat but doesn’t require hours of effort. With tender beef, rich red wine sauce, vegetables, and mushrooms, this dish is packed with flavor and warmth. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy, allowing you to enjoy a classic French dish with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this Beef Bourguignon recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy every rich, savory bite!
