Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

When the days feel long and the weather is crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than coming home to a hearty, slow-cooked meal. And that’s exactly what this Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon delivers: rich, melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a sauce so good you’ll want to mop it up with a hunk of crusty bread.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. You only need 20 minutes of hands-on prep before your slow cooker takes over. It’s one of those meals that feels luxurious enough for a dinner party but practical enough for a busy weeknight. Think of it as your secret weapon for effortless, nourishing meals that bring everyone to the table.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS BEEF BOURGUIGNON.

• Effortless prep – just a quick sear and chop before your slow cooker works its magic.

• Deep, rich flavour – red wine, thyme, and smoky bacon create a sauce you’ll swoon over.

• Nutritious comfort food – packed with protein, veggies, and slow-cooked goodness.

• Versatile serving options – pair with creamy (protein Boosted) mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even cauliflower mash for a lighter take.

This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a ritual—one that warms your kitchen, fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, and leaves you with a meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

THE RECIPE: SLOW COOKER BEEF BOURGUIGNON.

Serves: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours

Ingredients

600g (1.3 lbs) casserole steak, cut into large chunks (stewing beef)

1 large onion, peeled & chopped

6 slices streaky bacon, roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

325g (11.5 oz) carrots, peeled & chopped

300ml (10.5 fl oz) red wine

250ml (8.5 fl oz) beef stock

2 sprigs thyme

Olive oil, salt, and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

2. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then brown it for 6-8 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.

3. In the same pan, add another ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onion and bacon for 4 minutes.

4. Add garlic and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

5. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in the stock.

6. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add thyme sprigs.

7. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.

Serve with my creamy (protein boosted) mashed potatoes grilled aspargus spears, or your favourite crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like to brighten things up.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO MAKE THIS EFFORTLESS.

Prep ahead: Chop veggies and bacon the night before to save time.

Freezer-friendly: This dish freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Make it lighter: Swap streaky bacon for turkey bacon, or serve over cauliflower mash instead of my creamy (protein boosted) mashed potatoes.

Meal-prep hero: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for lunchboxes.

A HEALTHY SPIN ON COMFORT FOOD.

At first glance, Beef Bourguignon might feel indulgent—but when made at home, it can be both hearty and nourishing. Slow-cooking beef makes it tender without needing heaps of oil, and the veggies soak up all those beautiful flavours. Pair with a balanced side (think roasted veggies or a fresh green salad), and you’ve got a meal that hits all the right notes: satisfying, wholesome, and downright delicious.

FINAL THOUGHTS.

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort food. It’s about taking simple, real ingredients and letting them shine in a way that feels effortless. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe is one that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

So, pour yourself a glass of wine, let your slow cooker do the work, and get ready for the kind of meal that makes life feel just a little bit richer.