Olivia Carter
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that combines tender beef, red wine, and flavorful vegetables. Traditionally, it is cooked slowly on the stovetop or in the oven to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly. However, with the help of a slow cooker, you can achieve the same delicious results with even less effort.
This recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the best you will ever try. The beef is seared to perfection, locking in all the juices and creating a rich, caramelized flavor. The red wine adds depth and complexity, while the vegetables provide a hearty and nutritious base. The best part? You can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon will not disappoint. The tender beef, savory sauce, and flavorful vegetables will transport you straight to the French countryside. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to create a meal that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients
If you want to make the best ever slow cooker beef bourguignon, you will need a selection of high-quality ingredients. Here is a list of the essential items you will need to gather before you start cooking:
- Beef: Choose a tender cut of beef, such as beef chuck or sirloin, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and becomes tender and flavorful.
- Red Wine: The key to a delicious beef bourguignon is the rich and robust flavor of red wine. Use a good-quality red wine, such as Burgundy or Bordeaux, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
- Vegetables: Enhance the flavor of the beef bourguignon with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and garlic. These ingredients will provide a natural sweetness and savory undertones to the dish.
- Bacon: Adding bacon to the beef bourguignon will give it a smoky and savory flavor. Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook it until crispy before incorporating it into the dish.
- Mushrooms: To add a earthy and umami taste, include mushrooms in your beef bourguignon. Choose a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, and sauté them until they are golden brown.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth acts as the base for the beef bourguignon sauce. It adds moisture, richness, and depth of flavor to the dish. Use homemade beef broth or a high-quality store-bought version for the best results.
- Herbs and Spices: To season the beef bourguignon, use a combination of fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves, as well as spices like salt, pepper, and paprika. These ingredients will elevate the flavors and make the dish even more aromatic.
- Flour: To thicken the sauce of the beef bourguignon, use all-purpose flour. Coat the beef in the flour before browning it; this will help create a rich and velvety sauce as the dish cooks.
- Butter: Adding a pat of butter at the end of cooking will make the beef bourguignon even more luscious and luxurious. The butter will melt into the sauce and add a smooth and creamy texture.
By using these high-quality ingredients, you can create a slow cooker beef bourguignon that is rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying to eat.
Instructions
To prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the beef:
- Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into cubes.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet used to brown the beef, add the diced onions, carrots, and garlic.
- Sauté the vegetables until they become tender.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker, on top of the beef cubes.
3. Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and thyme.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cook the beef:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.
5. Thicken the sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- It pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Tips for Success
When making the Best Ever Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure a delicious and successful result.
Choose the right cut of beef
One of the most important factors in creating a flavorful and tender beef bourguignon is selecting the right cut of beef. Look for a cut of beef that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat. This will not only add flavor to the dish but also help to keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Sear the beef before slow cooking
To enhance the flavor and texture of the beef, it is essential to sear it before adding it to the slow cooker. Searing the beef on high heat in a hot pan will create a caramelized crust, which will add depth and richness to the overall dish. Make sure to sear the beef in batches, allowing each piece to develop a nice brown crust before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Use red wine for the braising liquid
Traditionally, beef bourguignon is made with red wine, and it is important to choose a good quality red wine for this dish. The red wine will not only add richness and depth to the sauce but also help to tenderize the beef as it braises. Avoid using cooking wine or any wine that you wouldn’t actually drink, as it may result in a less flavorful final dish.
Don’t skip the bacon
Adding bacon to the beef bourguignon may seem like an optional step, but it is highly recommended. The bacon not only adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish but also helps to render fat, which will further enhance the flavor and add richness to the sauce.
Adjust the cooking time and temperature
While the recipe suggests cooking the beef bourguignon on low heat for 8 hours, it is important to remember that every slow cooker is different. Keep an eye on the dish as it cooks and adjust the cooking time and temperature if needed. The meat should be tender and easily shredded with a fork when it is done.
Variations
There are many variations of Beef Bourguignon that you can try to make this dish your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Instead of using beef, you can try using other meats such as lamb or pork. The cooking time may vary, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu. Make sure to use a vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a mixture of flour and butter (called a roux) towards the end of cooking to help thicken it up.
- For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add some vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or pearl onions. Simply chop them up and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- For a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Beef Bourguignon is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
So why wait? Grab your slow cooker and start making the Best Ever Beef Bourguignon today!
10 Best Ever Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Features
| Part Number | 43237-2 |
| Model | SCCPVFC800-DS |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 8 Quarts |
Omaha Steaks Anytime Meal Assortment Package
Features
| Part Number | 74532 |
| Size | Anytime Meal Assortment |
FAQ
What are variations?
Variations are differences or changes in something, such as a specific element or characteristic.
How can variations occur?
Variations can occur due to various factors, including genetic differences, environmental influences, or random chance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, variations are an important aspect of our world and our lives. They exist in nature, in human culture, and even in the way we think and communicate. Variations add diversity and excitement to our experiences, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of differences and explore new possibilities. Whether it is the variety of life forms in a rainforest, the range of cuisines in different countries, or the different perspectives and opinions we encounter, variations enrich our lives and expand our horizons. Embracing and celebrating variations can lead to greater understanding, tolerance, and appreciation for the world around us. So let us cherish the variations that make our world so unique and vibrant.
