Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

### **Step 4: Add Vegetables**
Add the **carrots**, **mushrooms**, and **pearl onions** to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything.

### **Step 5: Slow Cook**
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on **low for 6-8 hours**, or on **high for 4 hours**. The beef will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

### **Step 6: Thicken the Sauce**
Once the cooking time is up, you may notice that the sauce is a little thin. To thicken it, mix **1 tablespoon of flour** with **2 tablespoons of water** to make a slurry. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker and let it cook on **high** for an additional **30 minutes**. This will help thicken the sauce to a rich, velvety consistency.

### **Step 7: Serve**
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional **salt** and **pepper** if needed. Ladle the beef and vegetables into bowls, garnish with **fresh parsley**, and serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

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## **Tips for the Perfect Beef Bourguignon**

– **Choose the Right Beef**: Use **beef stew meat** or **chuck roast** cut into cubes for the best texture and flavor. These cuts become tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
– **Wine Quality**: While you don’t need to use an expensive bottle, choose a good quality **dry red wine** for the best flavor. Burgundy wine is traditional, but any dry red will work.
– **Vegetables**: You can substitute the **carrots** and **mushrooms** for other vegetables like **potatoes** or **parsnips** if preferred.
– **Fresh Herbs**: If you have access to **fresh thyme**, **rosemary**, or **bay leaves**, use them for an even richer taste.
– **Make-Ahead**: Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make it a day ahead, and simply reheat before serving.

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## **Why This Recipe Works**

Slow cooking the beef allows it to become incredibly tender and soak up the full depth of flavors from the wine, broth, and herbs. The addition of vegetables, like carrots and mushrooms, balances the richness of the beef while providing texture and a natural sweetness. The slow cooker ensures everything cooks evenly without the need for constant attention, making this a perfect recipe for busy nights or weekend gatherings.

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## **Final Thoughts**

**Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon** is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. With minimal prep time and a slow cooking method that builds incredible depth of flavor, this dish will quickly become a family favorite or a showstopper for your next dinner party. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple baguette, the rich sauce and tender beef will be the star of the meal. Treat yourself to a taste of French cuisine without the fuss—your slow cooker does the hard work for you!