Elevate your cooking game: how to make beef bourguignon in your slow cooker

Indulge in the rich flavors of Beef Bourguignon, a classic French dish that combines tender beef, succulent vegetables, and a velvety wine sauce. With your trusty slow cooker, you can effortlessly recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.

2. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, searing all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the red wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half.

5. Add Beef and Liquids: Return the beef cubes to the skillet. Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and any remaining salt and pepper.

6. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the contents of the skillet to a 6-quart slow cooker.

7. Cook on Low: Cook the Beef Bourguignon on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and falling apart.

8. Serve: Serve the Beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• If you don’t have dry red wine, you can substitute with beef broth.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add more beef broth or water.
• Serve the Beef Bourguignon with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations:

• Add 1 cup of diced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Replace the beef with lamb or pork for a different taste.
• For a vegetarian version, use seitan or tofu instead of beef.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Beef Bourguignon:

• Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more intense and satisfying dish.
• The low temperature ensures that the beef becomes tender and fall-off-the-bone without overcooking.
• It’s a convenient method for busy individuals, as it requires minimal preparation and attention.

Wrapping Up

With this step-by-step guide, you can confidently prepare a mouthwatering Beef Bourguignon in your slow cooker. Savor the tender beef, succulent vegetables, and velvety wine sauce that will transport you to a culinary paradise. Bon appétit!

Top Questions Asked

1. Can I use frozen beef for Beef Bourguignon?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Thaw it completely before browning.

2. How do I thicken the Beef Bourguignon sauce?
You can thicken the sauce by simmering it until reduced or by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water).

3. Can I make Beef Bourguignon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Beef Bourguignon up to 3 days in advance. Reheat it gently before serving.

4. What is a good side dish for Beef Bourguignon?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread are all excellent side dishes for Beef Bourguignon.

5. Can I use a different type of wine?
You can use any dry red wine you have on hand, such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.