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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon for Two

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A rich and tender beef bourguignon made easy in a slow cooker, perfect for cozy dinners for two. This recipe uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to develop deep, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot recommended) or substitute with beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until lightly coated. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker. (10-12 minutes total)
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped onions and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, scraping up browned bits from the beef. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and start to brown. (8-10 minutes)
  4. Pour in the cup of red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all the flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the tablespoon of tomato paste until combined. (5 minutes)
  5. Pour the sautéed vegetables and wine mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine. (2 minutes)
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickened. Avoid lifting the lid too often. (4-8 hours)
  7. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. (2 minutes)
  8. If sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Notes

Browning the beef well is essential for flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Use dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot for best results. If sauce is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry. Resist lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. Can be adapted for vegetarian or low-carb diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef bourguignon, slow cooker beef stew, cozy dinner, easy beef recipe, comfort food, slow cooker recipes, dinner for two

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-bourguignon-for-two-easy-perfect-dinner-recipe/