Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

$To make this dish, you need key ingredients that create rich flavors. Here is your shopping list: - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes - 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 4 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds - 2 large onions, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups low-sodium beef broth - 2 cups mushrooms, quartered - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 bay leaves - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This blend of ingredients makes your dish hearty and flavorful. You can add extra ingredients to enhance the taste of your Beef Bourguignon. Consider these options: - A splash of red wine for depth - Bacon or pancetta for a smoky touch - Pearl onions for sweetness - Fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaf for aroma These ingredients can elevate your dish and make it even more special. If you’re missing something, don’t worry! Here are some simple substitutions: - Use chuck roast instead of beef chuck for a different cut. - Swap olive oil for vegetable oil if needed. - If you lack beef broth, chicken broth works in a pinch. - For a vegan version, replace beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils. These options allow you to adjust the recipe based on what you have at home. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cutting 2 pounds of beef chuck into 2-inch cubes. This size helps the meat cook evenly. Next, season the beef generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in batches. Sear each side until nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, move the beef to your slow cooker. This step adds deep flavor to the dish. In the same skillet, pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 large diced onions and 4 thickly sliced carrots. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Then, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. This will fill your kitchen with a great aroma. Once done, transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef. This blend of flavors will create a rich base. Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth into the slow cooker. Next, add 2 cups of quartered mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Also, mix in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Don’t forget to season with more salt and black pepper to taste. Gently stir everything to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef will become fork-tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Before serving, remove the bay leaves for a clean finish. To make the best Beef Bourguignon, start with quality beef. I like using chuck because it’s both tender and full of flavor. Cut it into 2-inch cubes. Season the beef well with salt and black pepper before you sear it. Searing adds a nice crust and deep flavor. Don't rush this step; take your time to brown the meat in batches. Use a slow cooker for this dish. It helps the flavors blend well over time. Cooking on low for 7-8 hours works best. If you need it faster, cooking on high for 4-5 hours is still good. Just check the beef to ensure it’s tender. To get fork-tender beef, the key is patience. Sear the beef first to lock in juices. This gives you a nice base flavor. After that, let it cook slowly with the other ingredients. Keep the slow cooker covered while it cooks. This keeps the moisture in. If the beef is not tender after cooking, it may need more time. Just let it go until it reaches that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can enhance the flavor of your Beef Bourguignon in several ways. Add quartered mushrooms for an earthy taste. Use fresh herbs if you can. Thyme adds warmth and depth. Try adding a splash of red wine for richness. It deepens the sauce and balances the flavors. You can also mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a kick. Lastly, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It brightens the dish and adds a nice color. Enjoy every bite of this rich and flavorful dish! Pro Tips Quality Meat Matters: Choose a good quality beef chuck for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for marbling, which indicates a juicy cut. Sear for Depth of Flavor: Don't skip the searing step! Browning the beef creates a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall dish. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Rest Before Serving: Allow the Beef Bourguignon to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld even more and improves the texture. {{image_4}} You can use different cuts of meat for Bourguignon. Beef chuck is great, but you might try brisket or short ribs. Both cuts add rich flavors and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, look for sirloin. It cooks well and stays juicy. For a twist, you can even use pork shoulder. It soaks up the sauce nicely and gives a unique taste. You can make a delicious vegetarian version of Bourguignon too. Instead of beef, use hearty mushrooms like portobello or shiitake. They add a great umami flavor. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein and texture. Add root vegetables like parsnips and turnips for extra depth. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it plant-based. This dish still gives you that warm, cozy feel. Different regions have their own takes on Bourguignon. In some parts of France, cooks add a splash of red wine for extra flavor. You can also try adding bacon or lardons for a smoky taste. Some cooks include pearl onions for sweetness. If you want a bit of spice, toss in a splash of brandy or cognac. Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs too. Fresh rosemary or sage can change the whole vibe of the dish. Each variation makes the meal special and uniquely yours. To keep your Beef Bourguignon fresh, let it cool. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it. When you are ready to eat, gently reheat the Beef Bourguignon. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, warm it on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. For freezing, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. After thawing, reheat it gently for the best taste. Enjoy your rich and flavorful Beef Bourguignon anytime! Beef Bourguignon dates back to the 19th century in France. It comes from the Burgundy region. This dish uses local beef and red wine. It was a way to make tough meat tender and tasty. Farmers and cooks made it with simple, fresh ingredients. Over time, it became a classic French meal. Now, many people enjoy it worldwide. You can easily make Beef Bourguignon ahead of time. Cook it fully, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will deepen as it sits. This makes it even more delicious! Beef Bourguignon is rich and hearty. It pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Creamy mashed potatoes - Buttered egg noodles - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad Each of these sides complements the beef and sauce beautifully. They add balance to the meal and make it even more enjoyable. Beef Bourguignon is a rich, hearty dish you can easily make. We covered key ingredients and how to prepare them. You can add unique flavors with optional ingredients and substitutions. My tips helped you achieve the best, fork-tender beef. You also learned variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Now, you can impress friends and family with this dish. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

A rich and comforting beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with vegetables and aromatic herbs.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds
2 large onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 cups mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 leaves bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
to taste salt and black pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Generously season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In batches, add the seasoned beef to the hot skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, carefully transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onions and sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef, ensuring an even distribution.
Pour in the beef broth, and then add the quartered mushrooms, tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper according to your taste. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves for a clean finish.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keyword beef stew, French cuisine, slow cooker