Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the most incredible aroma of tender beef slowly simmering in a rich, wine-infused sauce with earthy mushrooms. This Crockpot Beef Wine Mushrooms recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized chunks, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Slice the mushrooms, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil (optional) and sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
- Once the beef is browned, transfer it to the crockpot. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, then transfer this mixture to the crockpot as well.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the crockpot, followed by the cup of red wine. This will help deglaze the skillet and incorporate all the flavors. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet into the crockpot for extra flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth, and add the thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the beef is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- After 8 hours, check the beef for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easily fall apart. If necessary, you can let it cook for an additional hour.
- Once done, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the beef wine mushrooms hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Searing the beef is crucial - don't skip this step! It locks in flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that adds depth to your dish.
- Choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for the most robust flavor. Avoid cooking wines, which can be too salty.
- For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the onions to enhance the sauce's complexity.
- If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the crockpot. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
- This dish freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for an easy future meal.
- For a more intense mushroom flavor, consider using a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 213kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 53mg
