This one goes out to you, Julia Child!
We adore Julia Child. This woman made even the most intimidating recipes seem so easy and accessible! Do you remember watching old episodes of “The French Chef” and cooking along with her? One of our favorite Julia Child recipes is her classic “Slow Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon” which is basically French Beef Stew. This recipe is so simple yet packed with flavor. It makes a perfect go-to meal whenever company is coming over! However, sometimes life gets a little hectic and we need to make the process a little more simple. So, this is an adaptation of Boeuf Bourguignon is for the Slow Cooker! All the flavors of the classic are here, but it requires very little effort on the part of the cook!
This is a great winter recipe that we’re sure you and your family will love!
Slow Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 pounds lean stewing beef cut into 2 inch cubes
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups pinot noir good quality
- 3 cups beef stock low sodium
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 pound white or cremini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons flour optional cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. While the oil is warming up, dry the beef in paper towels. (If the beef is damp, it won't brown!) Gently saute the beef until browned on all sides.
- Add the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Pinot Noir, Beef Stock, tomato paste, and thyme. Make sure the beef is completely covered (add water if necessary)
- Cover and cook on low for 8 -9 hours. With 1.5 hours, remaining, add the mushrooms. I don't add the mushrooms till later in the cooking process, because I like them to be slightly firm.
- When the beef is nice and tender, remove the meat and vegetables from your slow cooker and keep warm. In a small bowl, add flour or cornstarch to 1/4 cup stock, wine, or water and whisk until combined. Add to the remaining sauce and stir to thicken.
- Pour sauce over meat and vegetables and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Have you made this recipe?
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Check out these Julia Child books:
The Way to Cook
Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom
My Life in France
Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 1
The correct spelling is "Bœuf" Bourguignon…
Thanks! Noted and corrected. 🙂
could i put the mushrooms in the sometime as the beef?
Yes, you can.
Is there anyway to reduce the cooking time?
Beltriz Carolina Jofré, You can cook this dish on high for 3 to 4 hours (check after 2 because some slow cookers run especially high in temp and it may be done earlier), but the meat may not be as tender as with a slower cook time.
Could I use whole wheat flour?
Odette, Yes you can use a whole wheat flour.
Do we cook this on low heat for 8-9 hours?
Kathleen, Yes you cook this on low in your crockpot for 8-9 hours as suggested.
How long will this stay warm and tender after cooking by keeping warm in the oven?
Kathleen, It should stay warm for an hour or two.
What size crockpot?
We recommend using a 6 or 8 quart slow cooker.
This looks wonderful! How much oil do you use for browning the beef? Thanks.
Hi Jeanne, use about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.