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Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Secret Tender Tips Inside Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Secret Tender Tips Inside Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a hearty and tender classic French stew made with beef chuck, red wine, bacon, and vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. The recipe includes secret tips for achieving melt-in-your-mouth beef and a rich, flavorful sauce, perfect for comforting dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf

Final Touches

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef cubes in this mixture until they are thoroughly coated, which helps to thicken the stew during cooking.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Brown the Beef: Using the drippings left in the skillet, brown the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This sears the meat, locking in flavor and texture. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker once done.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
  5. Deglaze and Prepare Sauce: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift up all the browned bits for extra flavor. Bring to a simmer, then add beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine the sauce components well.
  6. Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the wine and broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the cooked bacon and quartered mushrooms. Gently stir everything together to distribute evenly.
  7. Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
  8. Finish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Beef Bourguignon hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use a good quality dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir.
  • Browning the beef properly is essential for developing a deep, rich flavor.
  • Do not skip the bacon; it adds smoky depth to the stew.
  • You can add pearl onions for a traditional touch.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors develop further.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef bourguignon, slow cooker beef stew, French stew, beef chuck recipe, easy slow cooker meals, comfort food, red wine beef stew

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/slow-cooker-beef-bourguignon-secret-tender-tips-inside-recipe/