Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 480
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: French
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.