For over two decades, this delightful **Crockpot Beef Burgundy** recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen, consistently delivering a deeply flavorful, easy-to-make, and incredibly satisfying dinner that truly everyone adores. Imagine tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy infused with the essence of red wine, aromatic vegetables, and crispy bacon. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting experience, perfect for winding down after a long day or gathering with loved ones. Its simplicity belies its profound taste, making it an ideal candidate for your weekly meal rotation.
Why This Crockpot Beef Burgundy Recipe is a Weeknight Champion
Life can be incredibly hectic, and the thought of preparing a gourmet meal after a busy day often feels overwhelming. This is precisely where our Crockpot Beef Burgundy shines. Slow cooker dinners are culinary lifesavers, offering an unparalleled level of convenience without compromising on flavor or quality. The beauty of this recipe lies in its “set it and forget it” nature. You simply assemble the ingredients in the morning, and your slow cooker diligently works its magic throughout the day, transforming simple components into a sumptuously rich and tender beef stew.
This recipe is more than just easy; it’s incredibly practical for modern families. Picture this: you prepare the beef burgundy before heading out for work, school drop-offs, or a packed schedule of extracurricular activities. By the time you return home, perhaps from soccer practice or a long day at the office, the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal fills your kitchen. Dinner is not only ready but has developed layers of deep, complex flavor that only hours of slow simmering can achieve. It frees you from the stress of last-minute meal preparation, allowing you to enjoy precious time with your family around the dinner table. Furthermore, utilizing a slow cooker helps to tenderize more economical cuts of beef, making this a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food for a busy lifestyle.
ANOTHER HEARTY SLOW COOKER MEAL YOU’LL LOVE: Crockpot Lasagna
Understanding the Classic: What is Beef Burgundy?
Beef Burgundy, or “Boeuf Bourguignon” as it’s known in its native France, is a quintessential French stew that has captivated palates for centuries. Originating from the Burgundy region of France, this dish traditionally features beef braised in red wine (specifically red Burgundy wine), beef broth, and seasoned with garlic, onions, and a bouquet garni, along with bacon, mushrooms, and carrots. While our crockpot version simplifies the process, it stays true to the core flavors and comforting essence of this beloved classic.
The magic of Beef Burgundy lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the tough, inexpensive cuts of beef to become incredibly tender and succulent. The wine not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts a rich, deep, and slightly fruity flavor that is unmistakably Burgundy. Bacon adds a smoky, salty counterpoint, while the vegetables soften and sweeten, creating a harmonious and hearty stew. This dish is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, given enough time, can transform into something truly extraordinary.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Beef Burgundy
Crafting this incredible slow cooker Beef Burgundy requires a handful of accessible ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature richness and depth.
For the meat, we opt for **round steak**, a fantastic choice for the slow cooker due to its robust flavor and ability to become incredibly tender over low heat. You’ll also need **bacon** for its smoky depth and rendered fat, which adds flavor to the initial searing. A coating of **flour** helps to brown the beef beautifully and thickens the sauce. **Olive oil** is used for searing and sautéing.
Aromatics are key: **chopped onion** and **minced garlic** form the savory base of the stew. The liquid components are crucial: **Burgundy wine** (or another dry red wine like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet) is non-negotiable for that authentic flavor, complemented by rich **beef broth**. Simple seasonings of **sea salt** and **freshly ground black pepper** enhance all the other flavors. Finally, **baby carrots** add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. And, of course, **egg noodles** are the traditional, perfect accompaniment for soaking up all that incredible sauce.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Beef Burgundy: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a complete, printable version of the recipe with all measurements and detailed notes, please scroll down to the dedicated recipe card at the end of this post.
- Begin by preparing your beef. Cut your round steak into uniform cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Then, in a shallow dish, dredge the beef cubes thoroughly in flour. This coating will help create a beautiful brown crust when seared and contribute to the thickening of your rich sauce.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, brown the flour-dredged beef in batches. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this prevents proper searing. Searing the beef locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust. Once all the beef is nicely browned, transfer it to your crockpot. Sprinkle the chopped, cooked bacon evenly over the beef in the slow cooker. Leave any delicious browned bits and fat in the skillet – we’ll use that for the next step!
- Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the remaining olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they are softened and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pan from the beef will infuse incredible flavor into these aromatics.
- Pour in the Burgundy wine and beef broth into the skillet. Immediately use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this process is called deglazing and is vital for building a rich sauce. Add the salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to slightly reduce and blend the flavors.
- Arrange the baby carrots over the beef and bacon in the crockpot. Carefully pour the hot liquid mixture from the skillet over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This ensures that all the delicious flavors are distributed evenly.
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients. Place the lid on your crockpot and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 4 to 6 hours. The beef should be fall-apart tender when finished. Once cooked, serve this magnificent Beef Burgundy hot over a bed of fluffy egg noodles, allowing them to soak up every last drop of the exquisite sauce.
Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Perfect Crockpot Beef Burgundy
- Preparation Ahead of Time: One of the best features of this slow cooker recipe is its make-ahead potential. If your mornings are rushed, you can complete all the preparation steps the night before. Simply transfer the filled removable crock into your refrigerator. In the morning, take it out, place it into the slow cooker base, and turn it on. This saves valuable time when you need it most!
- Carrot Choices: While baby carrots are incredibly convenient and require no chopping, you can certainly use an equal amount of regular carrots. Just peel them and cut them into 1-inch thick rounds or chunks to ensure they cook evenly and maintain some texture in the long slow cooking process.
- Choosing the Right Beef: We use round steak for this recipe because it’s a more economical cut of beef that truly benefits from the slow cooking method. The long, gentle simmer breaks down the tough connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Round steak is famously known for dishes like Swiss Steak, making it a perfect match for a rich stew like Beef Burgundy.
- Wine Selection: While “Burgundy wine” is traditional, any good quality dry red wine will work wonderfully. Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be concentrated in the stew. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the wine with additional beef broth, adding a splash of red wine vinegar for a touch of acidity and depth.
- Thickening the Sauce: The flour dredge on the beef helps to thicken the sauce naturally. If you prefer a thicker gravy at the end, you can create a simple slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water. Stir this into the hot stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir until thickened.
- Add Mushrooms: For an even more classic Boeuf Bourguignon experience, consider adding sliced cremini or button mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. They will absorb the rich flavors of the stew beautifully.
While Beef Burgundy has delightful variations from one family to another, its fundamental components remain consistent: tender beef, robust Burgundy wine, and savory bacon. Most commonly, this hearty stew is served over comforting egg noodles, which are perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce. However, its versatility allows for other delicious pairings, such as creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a crusty loaf of bread to mop up every last bit. Some recipes might feature different vegetables, but carrots and onions are almost always present. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like pearl onions, celery, or even small parsnip chunks to customize the dish to your preference.
More Irresistible Beef Crockpot Recipes
If you’re a fan of the slow cooker’s magic, you’re in for a treat! We have an array of other fantastic beef crockpot recipes that make weeknight dinners a breeze and deliver incredible flavor:
- Mississippi Pot Roast – A flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast with minimal effort.
- Crockpot Salisbury Steaks – Classic comfort food, rich and savory, perfect over mashed potatoes.
- Crockpot Roast Beef – Tender, juicy roast beef with a delicious gravy, ideal for sandwiches or a main course.
- Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew – A wholesome and warming stew packed with vegetables and tender beef.
- Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash & Noodles – A paprika-spiced delight with tender beef, served with noodles.
- Crockpot Beef Stroganoff – Creamy, mushroom-infused beef stroganoff made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
- Crockpot Ground Beef Casserole – A family-friendly casserole that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Beef Barbacoa – Flavorful shredded beef, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
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Crockpot Beef Burgundy
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 pounds round steak cubed
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion about 1 medium
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup burgundy wine or other dry red wine such as Pinot Noir, Merlot or Cabernet
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces baby carrots
- 6 ounces egg noodles 1/2 bag
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Chef’s knife
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6 qt Crockpot
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Large skillet
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Measuring cups and spoons
Before You Begin: Helpful Tips for Success
- If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prepare most of this recipe the night before. Follow all the steps up until it’s time to turn on the crockpot. Simply place the assembled, filled removable crock in your refrigerator. The next morning, just put the crock into its base and turn it on to cook!
- While baby carrots are very convenient, feel free to use an equal amount of regular carrots. Just be sure to peel and chop them into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- We specifically recommend round steak for this recipe. It’s an inexpensive cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow in the slow cooker. It’s a fantastic choice for dishes like Swiss Steak and perfect for this rich stew.
Instructions for Crockpot Beef Burgundy
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Dredge the cubed beef thoroughly in flour. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Brown the beef in batches until a nice crust forms, then transfer it to your crockpot. Sprinkle the cooked and chopped bacon over the beef. Do not clean the skillet, as the browned bits add crucial flavor.
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In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Pour in the Burgundy wine and beef broth, then deglaze the pan by scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting it simmer briefly.
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Place the baby carrots over the bacon and beef in the crockpot. Carefully pour the hot liquid mixture from the skillet over all the ingredients. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. Serve hot over egg noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per Serving)
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Oct 14, 2014 and has since been updated with new photos and expanded information to enhance your cooking experience. We continually strive to provide the best content for our readers.