Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a heartwarming stew that perfectly captures the essence of French cuisine. Made with tender beef chunks, aromatic vegetables, and a rich red wine sauce, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. Ideal for chilly evenings, this slow cooker recipe offers both comfort and elegance, making it a fantastic choice for any gathering.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon step by step, offering tips and tricks along the way.
What Is Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a traditional French stew made with beef, bacon, and vegetables, slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce. It’s the Hairy Bikers’ take on a classic dish, simplified for a slow cooker. This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be prepared in approximately 6 to 7 hours in a slow cooker.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish provides a warm, comforting experience with each spoonful, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Rich Flavors: The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating an incredibly deep and complex taste.
- Effortless Cooking: With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare this meal with minimal fuss and supervision.
- Versatile Pairings: It pairs wonderfully with various sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors intensify overnight, making it ideal for meal-prepping or reheating leftovers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Beef Chuck (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Cut into 1.5-inch cubes for tenderness and flavor.
- Smoked Bacon Lardons (200g / 7 oz): Adds a smoky depth to the stew.
- Red Wine (500 ml / 17 fl oz): Choose a full-bodied wine like Burgundy for authenticity.
- Beef Stock (500 ml / 17 fl oz): Enhances the sauce’s savory richness.
- Carrots (2 large): Peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Onions (2 large): Peeled and sliced, providing a sweet undertone.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Minced for a hint of pungency.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Deepens the sauce color and adds umami.
- Button Mushrooms (250g / 9 oz): Adds an earthy flavor to the stew.
- Thyme (2 sprigs): Fresh thyme leaves for aromatic seasoning.
- Bay Leaves (2): Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing the beef.
Substitute Ingredients for Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Exploring different substitutions can help adapt this traditional dish to various dietary preferences or availability of ingredients.
Here are some alternative options:
- Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Replace the red wine with grape juice or beef broth mixed with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to maintain the rich flavor profile without alcohol.
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms or seitan as a substitute for beef to create a hearty vegetarian dish that still envelops all the traditional spices and herbs.
- Different Meats: Although beef is traditional, you can use lamb or pork for a different take on this classic stew.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: For a gluten-free version, thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of traditional flour-based roux.
Useful Equipment
- Slow Cooker: Essential for the low and slow cooking process.
- Skillet: For browning the beef and bacon before they go into the slow cooker.
- Knife and Chopping Board: For prepping the vegetables and beef.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: To stir the ingredients without scratching your skillet or slow cooker.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the beef into 1.5-inch cubes, slicing the onions, and chopping the carrots into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set all your prepped ingredients aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper and sear them until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Render the Bacon
In the same skillet, add the bacon lardons and cook until they are crispy. Remove the bacon and add it to the slow cooker, leaving the fat in the skillet.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until they are translucent. Add the carrots and cook for a few more minutes before stirring in the tomato paste and letting it cook for another minute.
Step 5: Deglaze and Combine
Pour in the red wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly, then transfer everything into the slow cooker along with the beef stock, mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaves.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the stew for 6-7 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?
Choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your Beef Bourguignon from a simple stew to an impressive meal.
Here are some perfect pairings:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
- Crisp Green Salad: A light, vibrant salad balances the richness of the stew.
- Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the savory depth of the bourguignon.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: Simple and traditional, they make an excellent base for the stew.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Achieving the perfect Beef Bourguignon is all about technique and quality ingredients. Consider these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Beef Cut: Chuck is ideal for its flavor and texture after long cooking.
- Marinate Overnight: If time allows, marinate the beef in wine and herbs before cooking to deepen the flavors.
- Low and Slow: Resist the urge to rush the cooking process; slow cooking develops the best flavors and textures.
- Finish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving can add a fresh, herbal lift to the rich stew.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Add Root Vegetables: Toss in parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist on the traditional.
- Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Double the mushrooms for a more earthy flavor.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary or marjoram instead of thyme for a different herbal note.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the stew for a subtle heat.
How Do I Store Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Leftovers?
- Microwave: Reheat portions in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a little broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 600
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
What Cut of Beef Is Best for Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon?
For Beef Bourguignon, beef chuck is the preferred cut due to its rich marbling and texture that becomes tender and flavorful after long, slow cooking. Other suitable cuts include brisket or round, but chuck remains the top choice for achieving the classic texture and depth of flavor in the stew.
Can I Make Beef Bourguignon Without Wine?
Yes, you can make Beef Bourguignon without wine by substituting it with beef broth combined with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to add the necessary acidity and depth. This substitution works well if you prefer to avoid alcohol while still enjoying a rich, flavorful bourguignon.
How Long Can You Keep Beef Bourguignon in the Fridge?
Beef Bourguignon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it’s kept in an airtight container and cooled to room temperature before refrigerating. The flavors often improve with time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Is Beef Bourguignon Better the Next Day?
Yes, Beef Bourguignon is often considered better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and intensify. Storing it overnight allows the ingredients to fully absorb the rich sauce, enhancing the overall taste and richness of the dish.
Where Did Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Originate?
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a modern adaptation of the traditional French dish known as Beef Bourguignon, or Boeuf Bourguignon. The classic version hails from the Burgundy region of France, where it began as a peasant dish made from beef slow-cooked in local red wine. The slow cooker version simplifies the cooking process, making it more accessible for home cooks while maintaining the rich flavors and tender texture of the original recipe. This adaptation allows for an effortless preparation that still honors its rustic, French culinary roots.
Final Words
This slow cooker Beef Bourguignon by the Hairy Bikers is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With minimal prep and simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and impressively flavorful. So, grab your ingredients, and let your slow cooker do the work! Enjoy the rich, deep flavors that only get better with time.