True to the Core Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply authentic French classic simmered for hours to develop rich, complex flavors—slow-cooked to perfection with red wine, mushrooms, and carrots, honoring the true essence of French home cooking. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 385 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes 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 450 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat beef chuck cubes dry, then season with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. 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 1 cup finely chopped onion, 2 cups sliced carrots, 1/2 cup sliced celery, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup red wine and 2 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Return beef to pot, add 1 cup pearl onions, 8 oz quartered mushrooms, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours in a slow cooker or 2 hours at 325°F (163°C) until beef is fork-tender. Remove bay leaf, skim excess fat, and serve with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does True to the Core Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon take to make?

Total time is about 385 minutes (25 min prep + 360 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 True to the Core Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon?

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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True to the Core Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon?

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 True to the Core Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon 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 True to the Core Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon?

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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