Beef Bourguignon Crockpot Easy Dinner Recipe
Classic Beef Bourguignon Crockpot Recipe is the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel special. The first time I made it on a summer evening, I wanted something comforting but simple. I let the crockpot do all the work while I spent the day outside, and by dinnertime the rich aroma of beef, garlic, and herbs filled my home. This recipe is one of the best 2 Hour Crockpot Recipes because it is easy, flavorful, and works perfectly for lazy dinners crockpot nights or cozy meals when you need comfort. It is also ideal if you want dinner ideas when sick because it warms the body and soothes the soul.
Classic Beef Bourguignon Crockpot Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear beef cubes in batches until browned. This step creates deep flavor.
- Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened. Transfer all contents to the crockpot.
- Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours until beef is fork tender.
- Stir in pearl onions for the last 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love this recipe
Classic Beef Bourguignon is elegant yet approachable, making it one of the most versatile easy dinner recipes for family crockpot style. The beef becomes tender, the sauce turns rich and velvety, and the flavors deepen without much effort. You can serve it as crock pot meals for two on a quiet evening, or prepare a larger batch for family gatherings. It also doubles as summer dinner easy because the crockpot keeps the kitchen cool. For parents, this is one of the best kid friendly crock pot recipes that turns into kid approved crockpot meals with just a few tweaks to soften the flavors.
Ingredients you need
| Ingredient | Measurement | Substitution Tip |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Butter for a richer flavor |
| Beef chuck | 2 ½ lbs cut into 1 ½ inch cubes | Brisket or short ribs |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to preference |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly cracked for best results |
| Yellow onion | 1 large chopped | White onion if available |
| Garlic | 4 cloves minced | Garlic powder if fresh not available |
| Cremini mushrooms | 8 oz quartered | Button mushrooms work |
| Beef broth | 1 cup | Vegetable broth as backup |
| Diced tomatoes | 14.5 oz can | Fresh ripe tomatoes for summer version |
| Red wine | ½ cup | Pinot Noir or Cabernet works best |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Builds richness |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp dried thyme |
| Bay leaves | 2 | Do not skip |
| Pearl onions | 1 cup frozen | Fresh pearl onions if you have time |
| Parsley | 2 tbsp chopped | For garnish |
How to make this crockpot beef bourguignon
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear beef cubes in batches until browned. This step creates deep flavor.
- Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened. Transfer all contents to the crockpot.
- Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours until beef is fork tender.
- Stir in pearl onions for the last 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
This method is perfect for dinners for hot days since the crockpot does not heat up your kitchen.
Serving ideas for beef bourguignon
Classic Beef Bourguignon pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty bread. For crock pot meals for two, serve it with a glass of red wine for a romantic touch. For family meals, serve it over rice or roasted vegetables as part of easy dinner recipes for family crockpot nights. During summer, enjoy smaller portions with fresh salad for a lighter summer dinner easy variation. If you want dinner ideas when sick, a bowl of this stew with warm bread is nourishing and comforting.
Tips for the perfect result
- Always brown the beef first to create flavor.
- Choose a wine you would drink, not cooking wine.
- Avoid overfilling the crockpot to let ingredients simmer evenly.
- For kid friendly crock pot recipes reduce the wine and add extra broth.
- Add parsley right before serving for freshness.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping browning will lead to bland flavor.
- Cooking on too high a setting can make the beef tough.
- Forgetting to season gradually will create uneven flavor.
- Adding all beef at once prevents proper browning.
- Serving too quickly without rest time reduces depth of flavor.
Storage and reheating
| Storage Method | Duration | Tip |
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer | 3 months | Freeze in portions for convenience |
| Reheating | Stovetop low heat | Add splash of broth if sauce thickens |
This recipe improves in flavor the next day, making it perfect for lazy dinners crockpot style leftovers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this without wine?
Yes, replace with broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Is this dish kid friendly?
Yes, reduce the wine for kid friendly crock pot recipes that are kid approved crockpot meals.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, this is one of the easiest lazy dinners crockpot options for busy days.
What sides work best?
Mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or fresh bread make great companions.
Can I cook a smaller portion?
Yes, it is easy to adapt this recipe for crock pot meals for two.
Conclusion
Classic Beef Bourguignon Crockpot Recipe is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. It works for everything from lazy dinners crockpot nights to romantic crock pot meals for two and even easy dinner recipes for family crockpot gatherings. It is one of those dinners for hot days that keeps the kitchen cool and doubles as one of the best kid approved crockpot meals. Save this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the magic of French cooking with very little effort.
