Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms is a rich, comforting dinner featuring tender chunks of beef simmered slowly in a flavorful sauce with fresh mushrooms, onions, garlic, herbs, and tomato paste.
This easy Crockpot beef recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, restaurant-style meal with very little hands-on preparation. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender while absorbing the savory flavors of the mushrooms, broth, and seasonings.
Perfect for cozy family dinners, Sunday meals, or special occasions, this hearty beef stew is especially delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed rice.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6–8 hours (Low) |
| Total Time | 6 hours 20 minutes–8 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cooking Method | Slow Cooker |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | French-Inspired |
| Main Ingredient | Beef |
| Category | Dinner |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker beef bourguignon is packed with deep, savory flavors and features incredibly tender beef that practically melts in your mouth.
The combination of mushrooms, garlic, onions, thyme, and tomato paste creates a rich homemade sauce that tastes like it has been simmering all day.
It’s also a wonderful make-ahead dinner because the flavors develop beautifully during slow cooking, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Beef chuck or braising beef, cut into large chunks | 2.2 lbs (1 kg) |
| Fresh button mushrooms, sliced or quartered | 8.8 oz (250 g) |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil or butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Large onion, sliced | 1 |
| Beef broth | 1 cup (250 ml) |
| Dry red wine (optional) | 1 cup (250 ml) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
For an alcohol-free version, replace the red wine with an additional cup of beef broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Cut the beef into large, evenly sized chunks. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to help them brown properly.
Place the beef in a large mixing bowl and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss until all the pieces are lightly coated.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Working in batches if necessary, add the beef pieces and sear them on all sides until nicely browned.
This step helps develop a deeper, richer flavor in the finished stew.
Transfer the browned beef directly into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced mushrooms, sliced onion, and minced garlic over the browned beef.
Spread everything evenly inside the Crockpot.
Step 4: Prepare the Bourguignon Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and dried thyme.
Mix until the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the liquid.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables.
Gently stir to distribute the ingredients and coat the beef with the flavorful liquid.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook using one of these settings:
- Low: 6–8 hours.
- High: 4–5 hours.
The beef should become fork-tender, and the mushrooms and onions should be soft and infused with the savory sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once cooking is complete, gently stir the beef bourguignon.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and black pepper if necessary.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed rice.
Best Tips for Perfect Beef Bourguignon
Choose beef chuck or another well-marbled braising cut because the connective tissue breaks down during slow cooking, producing tender, flavorful meat.
Don’t skip browning the beef. Although it’s possible to add raw beef directly to the Crockpot, searing creates a deeper flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the meat. Cook in batches to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the final cooking stage only if your slow cooker instructions allow it, or stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end.
Best Ingredient Options
Beef: Beef chuck, brisket, or braising beef are excellent choices because they become tender during long, slow cooking.
Mushrooms: Fresh button mushrooms are ideal, but cremini mushrooms also provide a delicious earthy flavor.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth if you want better control over the salt level.
Red Wine: A dry red wine adds traditional Bourguignon flavor. For an alcohol-free recipe, use additional beef broth instead.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley can provide a wonderful aromatic finish.
Recipe Variations
Beef Bourguignon with Carrots: Add 2 sliced carrots to the slow cooker for natural sweetness and extra vegetables.
Garlic Mushroom Beef Stew: Add additional garlic cloves and use cremini mushrooms for a stronger mushroom flavor.
Alcohol-Free Beef Bourguignon: Replace the red wine with beef broth and add a small splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Creamy Mushroom Beef: Stir in a little heavy cream during the final 15–20 minutes for a creamier sauce.
Extra Vegetable Beef Stew: Add diced celery, carrots, and potatoes to make this a complete one-pot family dinner.
What to Serve With Beef Bourguignon
Creamy mashed potatoes are one of the best side dishes because they absorb the rich mushroom and beef sauce beautifully.
Buttered egg noodles, fresh pasta, steamed white rice, or roasted potatoes are also excellent choices.
For a lighter meal, serve the beef with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad.
Crusty bread is another wonderful option for soaking up every bit of the delicious homemade gravy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare several ingredients a day in advance to make dinner easier.
Cut the beef, slice the mushrooms and onions, and mince the garlic. Store the prepared ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
You can also mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them until needed.
For the best results, brown the beef shortly before assembling the slow cooker.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftover beef bourguignon to cool slightly before transferring it into airtight food-storage containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
The sauce may become thicker as it cools, but it will loosen again when reheated.
For food safety, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Reheating Instructions
Stovetop: Transfer the beef and sauce to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Add a little beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Microwave: Place an individual portion in a microwave-safe container. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
Slow Cooker: For larger portions, reheat until thoroughly hot. Avoid using the slow cooker to warm refrigerated leftovers from cold over an extended period.
Freezing Instructions
This beef bourguignon freezes very well.
Allow the dish to cool completely, then divide it into individual portions and transfer to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Browning Step: Adding unseared beef can result in a less developed flavor. Take a few extra minutes to brown the meat properly.
Using Lean Beef: Very lean cuts can become dry or less tender during extended cooking. Choose beef suitable for braising.
Adding Too Much Liquid: The mushrooms and onions release moisture during cooking, so avoid adding extra broth unnecessarily.
Cutting the Beef Too Small: Small pieces can become overly soft during long cooking. Keep the chunks relatively large and uniform.
Not Checking the Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper.
Serving Immediately Without Resting: Allow the finished dish to stand for about 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle slightly.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings and including the red wine option.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and varies depending on the beef cut, broth, and ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make beef bourguignon without red wine?
Absolutely! Replace the red wine with an equal amount of beef broth. You can add a small splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
2. What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef bourguignon?
Beef chuck is one of the best choices because it contains connective tissue and marbling that help produce tender, juicy meat during slow cooking.
3. Can I put raw beef directly into the Crockpot?
Yes. However, browning the beef first improves the flavor and gives the finished dish a richer taste.
4. Why is my beef bourguignon sauce watery?
Mushrooms and onions release moisture during cooking. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the hot sauce. Allow it to thicken before serving.
5. Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Yes. Add baby potatoes or chopped Yukon Gold potatoes at the beginning of cooking. Make sure the pieces are relatively uniform.
6. Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes. You can prepare the vegetables and sauce ingredients ahead of time. Keep everything refrigerated and assemble the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
7. Is beef bourguignon suitable for freezing?
Yes. It freezes well for up to 3 months. The texture of the mushrooms may become slightly softer after thawing.
8. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
You can use a little soy sauce mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Check the ingredient labels if you need to avoid anchovies or other animal-derived ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms is the perfect combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and rich homemade sauce.
With simple ingredients and the convenience of a Crockpot, you can prepare a comforting, restaurant-inspired dinner without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a satisfying family meal that everyone will enjoy!