Is there anything better than coming home after a long day to the smell of dinner already cooking? I really don’t think so. It’s like a warm hug the moment you walk through the door. That’s the simple joy of using a slow cooker.
If you’re looking for fantastic Crockpot Recipes that are both easy and incredibly flavorful, you’ve come to the right place. This beef and mushroom recipe is a regular in my house. It’s hearty, comforting, and requires so little effort you’ll feel like you cheated.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, the best part about these kinds of Crockpot Recipes For Dinner is the freedom they give you. You just prep a few things in the morning, set the slow cooker, and go about your day. No need to stand over a hot stove.
The slow cooking process makes the beef unbelievably tender. It practically falls apart when you touch it with a fork. It’s the kind of tenderness you usually only get at a nice restaurant. This is one of those meals that tastes complex, but the secret is just time.
Plus, the flavors get so deep and rich. Everything melds together into a savory, umami packed gravy that is just amazing. It’s a complete crowd pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family or having guests over, everyone loves this dish.
This is a great starting point if you are new to the world of Slow Cook Recipes. It is straightforward and delivers wonderful results every single time. It builds confidence and shows you just how useful a crockpot can be for getting dinner on the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather. The list is simple, and you might already have most of these ingredients on hand. Nothing fancy is required for these delicious Crockpot Recipes.
- 3 pounds stew meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (2 ounce) packet onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to get started? This is the easy part. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a fantastic meal. Let’s make one of my favorite Crockpot Recipes together.
Step 1: Brown The Beef
First things first, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. While it’s heating, season your stew meat with the salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with it.
Now, add the beef to the skillet. You’ll want to do this in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. We just want to get a nice brown crust on the outside of each piece. This step builds a huge amount of flavor.
Once browned, transfer the beef directly into your slow cooker. A 4 quart slow cooker works great for this amount. Leave any browned bits in the skillet for now, that’s pure flavor.
Step 2: Combine In The Slow Cooker
With the beef in the crockpot, it’s time to add almost everything else. Pour in the beef broth, the onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic.
Give everything a gentle stir to combine. That onion soup mix is a great shortcut. It adds a ton of savory depth without needing a dozen different spices. It’s a key ingredient in many easy Slow Cook Recipes.
Now for the best part. Put the lid on, set it to LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, and walk away. Your work is pretty much done for the next several hours. Let the slow cooker do its thing.
Step 3: Thicken The Sauce
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, it’s time to create that rich gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and the cornstarch until it’s completely smooth. This little mixture is called a slurry.
Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir it into the beef and broth. This is what will thicken the sauce into a beautiful, glossy gravy that coats every piece of beef and mushroom. This method is common in many stew style Crockpot Recipes.
Put the lid back on and let it cook for that final 30 minutes. This gives the cornstarch time to activate and work its thickening magic. The aroma in your kitchen right now will be incredible.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
And that’s it! Your delicious slow cooker beef and mushroom dinner is ready. The beef will be tender, and the gravy will be rich and savory. It’s one of those deeply satisfying Crockpot Recipes For Dinner.
Serve it warm over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or even rice. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch of color and freshness. It is a hearty and wholesome meal.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, they store beautifully. First, make sure to let the dish cool down completely to room temperature. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, transfer everything to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day, making for a fantastic lunch.
This recipe also freezes very well. Place it in a freezer safe container or bag, and it will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips
Here are a few little tips and tricks to make this recipe even better. Little adjustments can make your Crockpot Recipes shine.
- Choosing Your Beef: Stew meat is convenient, but you can also buy a chuck roast and cut it into cubes yourself. The marbling in a chuck roast adds extra flavor and tenderness.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other hearty vegetables. Chopped carrots, celery, or even some baby potatoes would be a great addition. Add them at the beginning with the onions and mushrooms.
- Deglaze The Pan: After browning the beef, pour a little of the beef broth into the hot skillet to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom. Then pour that liquid into the slow cooker. This adds so much flavor.
- Mushroom Variety: While regular white or cremini mushrooms work great, you can use a mix of mushrooms for more complex flavor. Think about adding some shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. This is truly one of those set it and forget it Crockpot Recipes that makes life so much easier. It’s a warm, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a great example of how Slow Cook Recipes can deliver amazing flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a cozy Sunday supper or a busy weeknight. Enjoy every single bite.
Making delicious food at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few quality ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can create amazing Crockpot Recipes For Dinner that your family will ask for again and again.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Meat?
Absolutely. While pre cut stew meat is easy, a beef chuck roast cut into 1 to 2 inch cubes is my personal favorite. The connective tissue breaks down during the long cook time, making the meat extra tender and flavorful. Brisket would also work well.
Do I Have To Brown The Beef First?
You don’t have to, but I highly recommend it. Browning the meat creates a deeper, richer flavor through a process called the Maillard reaction. It adds a layer of complexity that you’d miss otherwise. If you’re really short on time, you can skip it, but the final dish won’t be quite as savory.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, please do! This is a great base recipe to customize. Hearty root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes are excellent additions. Add them at the beginning with the onions so they have plenty of time to become tender. Some frozen peas stirred in at the end add a pop of color and sweetness.
Can I Adapt This For One Of Those Easy Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner?
What a great idea! You can definitely adapt this. To make this one of your go to Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner, brown 2 pounds of ground beef with the onion and drain any excess fat. Then, add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. You can reduce the cooking time to 3 to 4 hours on LOW.
What’s The Best Way To Serve This?
This dish is fantastic served over something that can soak up all that delicious gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice. Wide egg noodles are also wonderful. For a lower carb option, you could serve it over mashed cauliflower. And of course, a side of crusty bread is always a good idea for dipping.
Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom
This easy slow cooker beef and mushroom recipe offers tender beef in a rich, savory gravy, ideal for a comforting family dinner with minimal effort. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with deep, savory flavors.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. While it’s heating, season your stew meat with the salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with it.
- Now, add the beef to the skillet. You’ll want to do this in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. We just want to get a nice brown crust on the outside of each piece. This step builds a huge amount of flavor.
- Once browned, transfer the beef directly into your slow cooker. A 4 quart slow cooker works great for this amount. Leave any browned bits in the skillet for now, that’s pure flavor.
- With the beef in the crockpot, it’s time to add almost everything else. Pour in the beef broth, the onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic.
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine. That onion soup mix is a great shortcut. It adds a ton of savory depth without needing a dozen different spices. It’s a key ingredient in many easy Slow Cook Recipes.
- Now for the best part. Put the lid on, set it to LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, and walk away. Your work is pretty much done for the next several hours. Let the slow cooker do its thing.
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, it’s time to create that rich gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and the cornstarch until it’s completely smooth. This little mixture is called a slurry.
- Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir it into the beef and broth. This is what will thicken the sauce into a beautiful, glossy gravy that coats every piece of beef and mushroom. This method is common in many stew style Crockpot Recipes.
- Put the lid back on and let it cook for that final 30 minutes. This gives the cornstarch time to activate and work its thickening magic. The aroma in your kitchen right now will be incredible.
- And that’s it! Your delicious slow cooker beef and mushroom dinner is ready. The beef will be tender, and the gravy will be rich and savory. It’s one of those deeply satisfying Crockpot Recipes For Dinner. Serve it warm over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or even rice. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch of color and freshness. It is a hearty and wholesome meal.
Notes
Choosing Your Beef: Stew meat is convenient, but you can also buy a chuck roast and cut it into cubes yourself. The marbling in a chuck roast adds extra flavor and tenderness.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other hearty vegetables. Chopped carrots, celery, or even some baby potatoes would be a great addition. Add them at the beginning with the onions and mushrooms.
Deglaze The Pan: After browning the beef, pour a little of the beef broth into the hot skillet to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom. Then pour that liquid into the slow cooker. This adds so much flavor.
Mushroom Variety: While regular white or cremini mushrooms work great, you can use a mix of mushrooms for more complex flavor. Think about adding some shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
