Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Tired of tough, flavorless beef stews or fussy stovetop braises? Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew brings melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty veggies, and a rich, comforting sauce together with almost no effort just set it and forget it!

At dishfoody.com, I’m all about making classic comfort foods easier and more flavorful, and this stew is a cold-weather lifesaver.

Here you’ll find what makes this stew a winner, how to select the cut of beef, best prep hacks, endless flavor swaps, tips for serving with style, and all the answers to your stew FAQs.

Why This Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew Recipe Works

  • Uses affordable, easy-to-find cuts of beef that become fork-tender in the slow cooker.
  • Minimal prep just a quick sear and dump into the pot for hours of hands-off cooking.
  • Perfect for cozy weeknights or hearty weekend feasts serve with crusty bread, and it’s a meal!

Choosing the Right Beef for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Beef chuck roast is the classic choice for tenderness and flavor, but brisket or stew beef also work.

Buying Tips

Look for well-marbled, firm beef with a deep red color and no gray patches. Ask the butcher for pre-cubed stew beef for speedier prep.

Substitutions

Use lamb shoulder or chicken thighs for a variation. For a lower-fat option, try leaner beef or even turkey thighs.

Ingredients & Prep for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Beef Prep Essentials

Trim any large pieces of fat. Pat beef dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet for the best flavor.

Aromatic Richness

Combine carrots, onions, celery, garlic, potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and classic herbs like thyme and bay leaf. For a wine-free version, add extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic or pomegranate molasses for depth.

Pantry Staples

Beef, carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, beef broth, herbs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and optional mushrooms.

Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Pre-Cooking Prep for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Sear seasoned beef cubes in a hot skillet until browned. Chop veggies and add to the slow cooker.

Cooking Method for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Add seared beef, veggies, tomato paste, broth, herbs, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until meat is fork-tender and sauce thickens.

Doneness Check for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Beef should shred easily with a fork. Veggies should be soft and infused with sauce.

Resting for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Let stew sit with the lid off for 10 minutes before serving—this allows flavors to develop and sauce to thicken.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Avoiding Tough or Dry Beef

Always sear beef first for the juiciest result, and don’t overcook on high. Let stew rest before serving.

Tool Recommendations

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for searing and a large slow cooker for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly for best texture.

Flavor Variations for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Spicy Twist

Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the stew base.

Keto/Paleo

Skip potatoes and thicken stew with a teaspoon of arrowroot or xanthan gum.

Global Flavors

Swap herbs for za’atar or garam masala, or add a spoonful of tomato chutney at the end.

VariationKey IngredientDietary TagFlavor Note
Spicy TwistJalapeños, chiliSpicyBold, peppery
Keto/PaleoArrowroot, no potatoLow-carbRich, thick
Global FlavorsZa’atar, masalaFusionWarm, aromatic

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Serve with rustic bread, fluffy rice, or creamy mash. Add roasted root veggies or a green salad for balance.

FAQs for Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

Can I use frozen beef?
Yes thaw completely and pat dry before searing for the best browning.

How to fix thin stew?
Remove the lid and cook on high for 30 minutes, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

Is it safe for kids and pregnant women?
Absolutely just skip any alcohol and ensure beef is cooked through.

Conclusion

Warm up your week with Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew deeply comforting, simple, and a big-batch win. Join the dishfoody.com community for more easy comfort classics. Next, try our Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef for a show-stopping main!

Print

Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew

A rich, comforting classic this Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew features tender beef simmered in red wine with mushrooms, carrots, and onions for a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for cozy evenings.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup dry red wine (like Burgundy)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • 1. Season beef with salt and pepper, then toss in flour to coat.
  • 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  • 3. Add onions, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, tomato paste, wine, and broth.
  • 4. Stir to combine and cover with the lid.
  • 5. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
  • 6. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.
  • 7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.
  • For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Choose a full-bodied red wine for deeper flavor, like Cabernet or Pinot Noir.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew, beef bourguignon, crockpot beef stew, red wine stew

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