When December rolls around, even here in South Carolina, the air gets crisp and I immediately start craving slow-cooked, comforting meals. This is the season for stews, braises and anything that warms you from the inside out.

I’ve made a more traditional version before (my Classic French Beef Stew), but this time I wanted something easier, something I could set in the slow cooker in the morning and forget about until dinner. This Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon hits all the right notes: rich, savory, wine-forward and deeply aromatic.

To elevate it a bit and make it feel like a full, restaurant-level plate, I paired it with creamy smashed garlic potatoes, roasted asparagus and a bright, herbaceous arugula chimichurri that cuts right through the richness. It’s the perfect winter comfort meal, but with some freshness and color added in.

One key difference between this slow cooker version and the classic French preparation is Step 5. By adding the butter-and-flour mixture, the sauce transforms into a rich, velvety gravy rather than a traditional stew base. This thicker consistency pairs perfectly with the mashed potatoes I added in place of the classic boiled ones.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Slow-cooker Beef Bourguignon

• 2 1/2 – 3 lbs bottom round roast or other whole beef product, cut into 1-1 1/2 in cubes
• 4 tbsp AP flour
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1/2 large white onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 3-4 large carrots, cut in large 1 inch prices
• 2-3 cups cremini or button mushroom, cut in half
• 2 celery stocks, chopped
• 2 cups pearl onions
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• 1 bunch of asparagus

Ingredients for an Arugula Chimichurri

• 2 cups arugula, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flake
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Garlic Smashed Potatoes

• 3-5 potatoes, depending on size, I didn’t peel them, just smashed the skins
• 4 garlic cloves, we used the preserved cloves from the beef bourguignon
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1+ cup heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

How to make Slow-cooker Beef Bourguignon

1. Brown the Beef
   Season the beef cubes well with salt and pepper. Toss with flour and cornstarch to coat. In a large skillet over medium-high, add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the beef on all sides until browned. Transfer to your slow cooker.
2. Layer the Aromatics
   Add the onion, mushrooms, smashed garlic, celery and carrots to the slow cooker.
3. Deglaze
   In the same skillet, add the red wine and scrape up any browned bits. Pour the wine mixture into the slow cooker along with the beef stock and water to cover.
4. Add Herbs & Cook
   Add rosemary and bay leaves. Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce
   In a small bowl, add two tablespoons of butter and melt in the microwave. Whisk in two tablespoons of flour. Add some of the sauce from the slow cooker and combine. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook another few minutes until thickened.
6. Finish
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves and rosemary stems before serving.
7. Asparagus
   I roasted the asparagus under the broiler for a few minutes to add a veg.

How to make Smashed Garlic Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
2. In a pot, combine the potatoes, the cooked garlic cloves from the bourguignon, butter, and olive oil.
3. Lightly smash.
4. Add cream or milk until you reach your desired texture. Season with salt and pepper.

How to make an Arugula Chimichurri

1. Combine arugula, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and red wine vinegar.
2. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir and set aside (best when it sits for at least 10 minutes).

Plating

Spoon a generous portion of smashed potatoes onto the plate. Add a serving of the Beef Bourguignon alongside roasted asparagus. Finish with a spoonful of arugula chimichurri over the top for a fresh, vibrant pop.

Did you try this easy Beef Bourguignon? Let us know in the comments. Check out some of our other Slow Cooker recipes. Please consider following us on IG, X, FB, PI, BSky or TT.