Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. This French classic, traditionally cooked with beef, red wine, and vegetables, becomes even more convenient when prepared in a slow cooker. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in a flavorful broth, absorbing the deep, aromatic flavors of the wine, herbs, and vegetables. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but requires minimal hands-on time.
What is Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?
Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a simplified version of the traditional French beef stew. Using a slow cooker allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors of the wine, garlic, herbs, and vegetables develop slowly over several hours. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Tender beef: Slow cooking makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Rich, deep flavors: The combination of wine, herbs, and vegetables creates a robust and flavorful dish.
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does the work while you go about your day.
- Perfect for entertaining: It’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made ahead of time.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, making it suitable for any meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Beef chuck (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Cut into large chunks, ideal for slow cooking.
- Red wine (500ml / 2 cups): Adds depth and richness to the stew.
- Beef stock (250ml / 1 cup): Enhances the savory flavors.
- Carrots (2 large): Peeled and sliced, adding sweetness and texture.
- Onions (2 large): Finely chopped, providing a base of flavor.
- Garlic cloves (4): Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Bacon (150g / 5 oz): Diced, adding a smoky, savory note.
- Button mushrooms (200g / 7 oz): Sliced, for an earthy flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Bay leaves (2): For an aromatic touch.
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried): A classic herb that complements the beef.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the beef.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (or crockpot)
- Large frying pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables:
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Cook the bacon: In the same pan, fry the diced bacon until crisp, then add it to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the carrots and mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes, then transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Liquid and Seasoning:
- Add the liquids: Pour the red wine and beef stock into the slow cooker, ensuring the beef is mostly covered.
- Stir in the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme, and stir everything together.
4. Slow Cook the Beef Bourguignon:
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Beef Bourguignon hot, with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Crusty bread: Use warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve with green beans or steamed broccoli for a fresh contrast.
- Rice: A side of steamed rice provides a simple yet satisfying pairing.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a soft, comforting base for the rich stew.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Brown the beef first: Browning the beef adds depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the final flavor.
- Use a good-quality wine: Since the wine is a key ingredient, choose a wine that you enjoy drinking.
- Let it cook low and slow: Cooking on a low setting for a longer period ensures that the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the liquid reduce.
- Add fresh herbs: Stir in fresh thyme or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Vegetable variation: Add parsnips, celery, or potatoes for a heartier stew.
- Pork instead of beef: Swap the beef for pork shoulder for a different twist on this classic dish.
- Gluten-free option: Make sure your beef stock and tomato paste are gluten-free to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat to balance the rich flavors.
- Herb substitute: Use rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal profile.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: This stew freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label containers before freezing to track freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Healthier?
- Trim excess fat: Trim any visible fat from the beef before cooking to reduce the fat content.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium beef stock to control the salt levels.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the number of vegetables to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the wine: Use half the amount of wine and substitute with additional beef stock for a lighter dish.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I make Beef Bourguignon without red wine?
Yes, you can substitute red wine with an equal amount of beef stock or use non-alcoholic red wine for a similar flavor profile. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
Can I freeze Beef Bourguignon?
Yes, Beef Bourguignon freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I thicken the sauce in Beef Bourguignon?
To thicken the sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking in the slow cooker. You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water) towards the end of cooking to thicken it further.
What is the best cut of beef for Beef Bourguignon?
The best cut of beef for Beef Bourguignon is beef chuck or brisket. These cuts are well-suited for slow cooking, as they become tender and flavorful after long, low-heat cooking.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect dish for anyone who loves rich, comforting flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender beef and a delicious wine-infused sauce, this stew is ideal for cold evenings or special dinners. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy every bite of this luxurious yet easy-to-make classic!
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Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 480
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a simplified version of the traditional French beef stew. Using a slow cooker allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors of the wine, garlic, herbs, and vegetables develop slowly over several hours. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Cut into large chunks, ideal for slow cooking.
- Red wine (500ml / 2 cups): Adds depth and richness to the stew.
- Beef stock (250ml / 1 cup): Enhances the savory flavors.
- Carrots (2 large): Peeled and sliced, adding sweetness and texture.
- Onions (2 large): Finely chopped, providing a base of flavor.
- Garlic cloves (4): Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Bacon (150g / 5 oz): Diced, adding a smoky, savory note.
- Button mushrooms (200g / 7 oz): Sliced, for an earthy flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Bay leaves (2): For an aromatic touch.
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried): A classic herb that complements the beef.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the beef.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables:
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Cook the bacon: In the same pan, fry the diced bacon until crisp, then add it to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the carrots and mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes, then transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Liquid and Seasoning:
- Add the liquids: Pour the red wine and beef stock into the slow cooker, ensuring the beef is mostly covered.
- Stir in the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme, and stir everything together.
4. Slow Cook the Beef Bourguignon:
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Beef Bourguignon hot, with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
