Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Root Vegetables

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

A classic French stew with tender beef, red wine, and caramelized root vegetables, simmered to perfection for deep, complex flavors. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 175 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, red wine, beef stock for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 French cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 2 lbs beef chuck into 1-inch cubes and toss with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Brown beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply seared, then set aside. Add 4 oz diced bacon to the pot and cook until crisp, 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme and 2 bay leaves.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups red wine and 1 cup beef stock, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return beef to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and transfer to a preheated 325°F oven. Braise for 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender. Meanwhile, peel and slice 4 carrots and 2 parsnips into 1-inch pieces.
  6. Step 6: Add vegetables to the pot and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 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 Root Vegetables?

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 roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Root Vegetables?

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 Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Root Vegetables?

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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