Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:
- Slow cooker (4-6 quarts)
- Large skillet (for browning the beef and bacon)
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
1. Brown the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
2. Brown the Beef
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add the beef in batches, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
4. Add the Mushrooms
Place the halved or quartered mushrooms in the slow cooker along with the browned beef and vegetables.
5. Combine the Sauce Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
6. Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors are well blended.
7. Finish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the Beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with crusty bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Wine Options: While red wine is traditional, you can use any full-bodied wine you enjoy. Just make sure it’s suitable for cooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or green beans to enhance the dish.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure that your tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of brandy or cognac to the sauce for added depth.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover Beef Bourguignon stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little broth or water if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Bourguignon is delicious on its own, but here are a few great pairings to enhance your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich sauce perfectly.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of fresh bread is ideal for mopping up the delicious sauce.
- Egg Noodles: Serve over buttered egg noodles for a comforting, hearty dish.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette can add a fresh contrast to the richness of the ragu.