Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Pearl Onions and Carrots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic French stew that requires patience and attention, where tender beef braises for hours in a red wine reduction with vegetables and mushrooms. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 220 minutes pairs beef chuck, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 French cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut beef chuck into 1-inch cubes, season with salt and pepper, and coat evenly with 2 tbsp flour. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add chopped onion, carrots, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to pot, add 2 cups red wine, 1 cup beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2.5 hours.
  4. Step 4: After 2 hours, add 1 cup peeled pearl onions and 8 oz quartered mushrooms. Continue cooking for 30 minutes until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove thyme and bay leaves. Skim excess fat from the surface, then mix 2 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the stew. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in 2 tbsp butter until melted and glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Pearl Onions and Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 220 minutes (40 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Pearl Onions and Carrots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Pearl Onions and Carrots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Pearl Onions and Carrots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Pearl Onions and Carrots?

French slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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