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Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy: A Taste of Parisian Comfort

The first time I tasted Beef Burgundy, or Boeuf Bourguignon, was at a tiny bistro tucked away on a cobblestone street in Paris. The rich, savory aroma spilled out onto the street, beckoning me inside. The tender beef, swimming in a deeply flavorful sauce, clinging to perfectly cooked noodles, warmed me from the inside out on a chilly autumn evening. It was pure culinary magic, a symphony of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Now, I’ve adapted that classic to the convenience of the slow cooker, so you can bring a taste of Parisian comfort to your own kitchen with minimal effort.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: Approximately 8 cups
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

4 slices bacon
2 lbs beef stew meat
2 carrots, cut into chunks
1 onion, sliced
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon dried marjoram
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon pepper
12 ounces condensed beef broth
½ cup Burgundy wine (or other dry red wine)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
16 ounces egg noodles, uncooked
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (crock pot)
Large skillet or frying pan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Instructions

Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet, placing it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled slightly, crumble the bacon and set aside.
In the bottom of your crock pot, layer the beef stew meat, crumbled bacon, carrot chunks, and sliced onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dried marjoram, garlic powder, and pepper. Gradually add the beef broth, Burgundy wine, and Worcestershire sauce to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth to prevent lumps.
Pour the broth and wine mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged.
Cook on high for 1 hour.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 5-6 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Add the sliced fresh mushrooms to the crock pot.
Cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the mushrooms are cooked to your liking. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your mushroom slices.
While the mushrooms are cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well.
To serve, spoon the Beef Burgundy over a generous portion of the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Sear the Beef: For an even deeper, richer flavor, consider searing the beef stew meat in the bacon fat before adding it to the crock pot. Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, browning on all sides.
Deglaze the Pan: If you sear the beef, don’t waste those flavorful browned bits! After removing the beef, deglaze the pan with a splash of the Burgundy wine, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Pour this mixture into the crock pot for added depth of flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crock pot, such as celery, parsnips, or pearl onions. Add them at the same time as the carrots and onions.
Wine Choice: While Burgundy wine is traditional, any dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon, will work well. Choose a wine that you would enjoy drinking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy immediately over hot, cooked egg noodles. The dish is also delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the Beef Burgundy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. You can also freeze the Beef Burgundy for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	449.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	9.6 g	14%
Saturated Fat	3.5 g	17%
Cholesterol	123.2 mg	41%
Sodium	447.7 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	51.9 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	3.1 g	12%
Sugars	3.1 g	N/A
Protein	36.2 g	72%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef stew meat with hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the amount of Worcestershire sauce to lower the sodium content.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf, to customize the flavor profile.
Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute the Burgundy wine with more beef broth or grape juice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
A: Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat, but make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the crock pot for optimal cooking and flavor.

Q: Can I cook this on high for a shorter amount of time?
A: While you can cook it on high, the low and slow method is recommended for the most tender beef. If cooking on high, reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours, checking for doneness.

Q: What’s the best type of wine to use?
A: A dry red wine like Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works well. Use a wine you’d enjoy drinking.

Q: Can I add potatoes to the crock pot?
A: Yes, you can add diced potatoes to the crock pot along with the carrots and onions. Choose a waxy potato like Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

Q: How do I know when the beef is done?
A: The beef is done when it is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. If it’s still tough, continue cooking for longer.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion. The slow cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, infusing the beef with rich, savory flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to create your own unique version of this classic dish. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crock pot, and prepare to be transported to a charming Parisian bistro with every delicious bite. Bon appétit!

Crock Pot Beef Burgundy Recipe