Savor the Richness of Beef and Merlot Dish
Good day, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’d like to introduce you to a recipe that will take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of France. The recipe is none other than Beef Merlot Crock Pot, a delicious, hearty and mouth-watering stew that will leave you wanting more.
Have you ever walked into a French bistro and succumbed to the savory wafts of beef bourguignon? This recipe is sure to satisfy that constant craving for comfort food. This dish is perfect for all year round, especially during those harsh winter nights where we just want to snuggle up with our loved ones and indulge in a warm and tasty dish.
This recipe involves the use of crock pot or slow cooker which means the meal can be prepared early, put in the slow cooker before you leave for work and then once you arrive back home, voilà! Your meal is ready! The beauty of it is that it leaves your house smelling amazing with minimal effort in the kitchen, leaving more time with your family or friends.
So, why not try something new and dive into this classic French cuisine? I assure you that it will be an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a food enthusiast, I am certain that once you try this Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe, you will fall in love with it. There are a myriad of reasons why this recipe should make its way onto your menu, but let me highlight just a few that make it stand out from other beef stew recipes.
First and foremost, this recipe uses one of the most delicious red wines – merlot – to enhance the flavor profile of the beef stew. The aroma of the wine is absolutely irresistible while it’s cooking in the slow cooker. It gives the beef a rich and succulent flavor that you simply can’t achieve by using it beef broth or bouillon cubes.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Once you have all of your ingredients on hand, everything can be prepped in just a few minutes with minimal effort. All you need to do is toss everything into your crock pot or slow cooker and let it simmer for several hours until the beef becomes tender and juicy.
Thirdly, this recipe makes great use of staple ingredients that you may already have on hand such as garlic cloves, onion, bacon fat, stew meat, red wine and beef bouillon cubes. The combination of these ingredients creates complex layers of flavor that will leave you savoring every bite.
Lastly, this Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute different types of wine or cuts of beef depending on what you have available in your pantry or your personal preference. Additionally, you can pair this savory dish with many side dishes. For example, any pasta or crusty bread would pair perfectly with it.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend trying out this Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe for yourself to experience all of its mouthwatering flavors and enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table begging for more!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients needed to make Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Beef Stew Meat (cut into 1-inch pieces),
- 1 Onion (diced),
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced),
- 2 Beef Bouillon Cubes dissolved in 1 1/2 cups of Warm Water,
- 1/4 cup of Bacon Fat
Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Liquid
- 2 cups Merlot Wine,
- 1 cup Beef Broth
Other Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon (chopped)
- Thyme (dried)
The Recipe How-To
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of bacon fat to it.
- Add 2 pounds of beef stew meat that has been coated with salt and pepper to the skillet in small batches.
- Cook the beef until browned all over, about 5 minutes per batch.
- Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion and cook it for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Next, add 4 garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a slow cooker (crock pot).
-
To the same slow cooker, add the beef stew meat you have set aside along with:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of red wine
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 1/2 cup of hot water
- 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
Stir all ingredients together until everything is well combined.
Cooking Time
- Cook on low heat for approximately 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Once fully cooked, discard any thyme sprigs.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Enjoy your delectable slow cooker Beef Merlot dish with your favorite side dish!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch up this Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try.
First of all, if you don’t have beef stew meat on hand or prefer a different cut, you can substitute it with beef tips or even a chuck roast. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of meat you use.
For those who don’t consume alcohol, you can skip the red wine altogether and use more beef broth instead. Vegetable broth or chicken broth can also be used as a substitute for beef broth if needed.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some mushrooms or other vegetables like carrots and potatoes to your stew. These additions will not only add flavor but also make the dish more nutritious.
For those who want to take things up a notch, try making this recipe with a different type of red wine such as cabernet or merlot. This will give your dish a different flavor profile that is still rich and delicious.
Lastly, if you want to make a French beef bourguignon recipe, you can follow the same steps as this recipe but with a few changes. Use bacon fat instead of oil before browning the meat, add garlic, thyme, and bay leaves in addition to onions and garlic cloves, and cook everything in a Dutch oven over low heat for 2-3 hours. This will result in an even richer and more flavorful dish.
Whatever variation or substitution you choose, don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. With slow cooker beef stew recipes like this one, the possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have allowed the beef merlot crockpot to simmer for at least 8 hours and the meat is tender, it’s time to serve this hearty and flavorful dish. The best way to serve the beef merlot crockpot is over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice to help soak up all the rich flavors.
To enhance the flavors of this meal and enjoy it at its best, pair your beef merlot crockpot with a glass of full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon or merlot. The wine will bring out the fruitiness of the stew and complement the bold flavor of the beef.
If you’re looking for a side dish to serve alongside this meal, roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes or Brussels sprouts are great options. A fresh green salad can be another great accompaniment to balance out the richness of this dish.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or for any casual occasions with an intimate group of friends. With its robust flavors and heartwarming appeal, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So indulge in this delightful slow-cooked beef stew red wine recipe that’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this beef merlot crock pot recipe is that it can be made in advance and stored for later. The slow cooker beef stew can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. I recommend preparing a large batch and storing smaller portions in the freezer. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook.
To reheat, simply microwave the frozen beef merlot crockpot on high for 3-4 minutes or transfer the refrigerated stew to a pot and gently reheat on medium-low heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
When reheating, you may notice that the gravy has thickened slightly. This is normal and can easily be fixed by adding a splash of water or beef broth.
If you choose to make this beef merlot crock pot recipe ahead of time, remember that the flavors will further develop as it sits, making it even more flavorful. You can also opt to add additional vegetables or spices before reheating to bring a fresh taste to the dish.
Storing cooked meat properly is important to avoid spoiling or food poisoning, regardless of how your dish was prepared. Be sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly and avoid leaving food out for too long at room temperature. When freezing, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and add an extra layer of aluminum foil if desired.
This beef merlot crock pot recipe is perfect for meal planning, easy lunches, or quick dinners ready in no time!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking beef in a crock pot, there are a few things you can do to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your beef merlot crock pot recipe:
1. Choose the right cut of meat: For this recipe, it’s best to use stew meat or chuck roast. These cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking and will result in a tender and juicy beef stew.
2. Brown the meat first: While it’s not absolutely necessary, browning the meat before adding it to the crock pot can add an extra layer of flavor to your beef stew.
3. Don’t overfill the crock pot: It’s important to leave enough room in the crock pot for the ingredients to cook properly. An overfilled crock pot can lead to uneven cooking and may result in tough pieces of meat.
4. Cook on low heat: This recipe calls for cooking the stew on low heat for 8 hours. Cooking beef on low heat allows it to become more tender and flavorful.
5. Use red wine: Red wine is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds depth and richness to the stew. Be sure to choose a good quality red wine, such as a merlot or cabernet.
6. Add bacon fat for extra flavor: If you have some bacon fat on hand, adding a tablespoon or two to the recipe can give your beef stew an extra boost of flavor.
7. Use fresh garlic and thyme: Fresh garlic and thyme add wonderful flavor to this recipe. Be sure to mince your garlic finely and chop your thyme leaves before adding them to the stew.
By following these simple tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying beef merlot crock pot recipe that your family will love!
FAQ
Before wrapping up this beef merlot crock pot recipe article, I’ll address some frequently asked questions to help you avoid any confusion in the kitchen.
Can you use Merlot to cook beef?
When it comes to preparing beef roast, it’s important to use full-bodied and dry red wines to enhance the flavors. The ideal choices would be Merlot or Pinot Noir due to their intense colors and strong tannins. It’s best to go with younger wines that retain their fruity taste.
Is Merlot good for beef stew?
Merlot is a type of wine made from a French grape and is known for its dryness. Interestingly, it is called “little blackbird” in French. This wine pairs well with beef stew.
What is a beef Merlot?
One of the most prized cuts of meat among butchers is the Merlot Steak, which is extracted from the upper leg. Because they can only obtain two steaks per beef, this cut is scarce and often difficult to come by. The meat is dense and low in fat, thus requiring a high heat cooking method and serving rare. We dry age all of our steaks, including the Merlot Steak, which imparts an exceptional depth of taste.
How to make beef tender in crock pot?
To prepare a succulent tenderloin, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meat on all sides until nicely browned. Then, transfer the seared tenderloin to a crockpot and pour in enough beef broth to cover it. Let the tenderloin simmer on low heat for 1.5-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. Remember to check on the beef every half hour after the initial 1.5-hour mark.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe is a must-try dish for any beef and red wine lover. The magic of this recipe lies in the flavorful ingredients and the slow cooking process that tenderizes the meat to perfection. With its rich and hearty taste, it is guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this recipe is perfect.
So why not try it out today? Gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you go about your day. You’ll come home to a mouth-watering aroma that will have everyone excited for dinner. And with its versatility in terms of substitutions and variations, you can customize this dish to your liking.
But that’s not all – this recipe is also great for meal prepping, storing, and reheating, making it a convenient choice for busy weekdays. And with helpful tips and FAQs provided, you can be confident in achieving perfect results every time.
So give this Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe a chance, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Whip up some mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables as a side dish, pour yourself a glass of red wine, and indulge in this delicious treat!
Beef Merlot Crock Pot Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs stew meat
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup merlot (optional) or 1/4 cup other red wine (optional)
Instructions
- Heat frying pan on HIGH (hot pan, cold grease= NO STICKING!).
- Add 2 T bacon fat- melt.
- Add chopped onion and garlic.
- Turn down heat to medium low- sauté for 5 minutes.
- Remove and set aside.
- Turn up heat to High- get pan really hot.
- Add more bacon fat or olive oil if pan is dry.
- Quickly brown meat- let each side get browned.
- Place browned meat into crock pot.
- Add 1 cup water to pan to make a beef stock.
- Add 2 bouillon cubes- stir and break up into stock.
- Add 1/4 Merlot (or other red wine) optional.
- Pour over meat in crock pot.
- Spoon onion mixture over meat.
- Cover and cook 10 hours on Low.
- Serve with mashed potatoes (or rice), cooked/buttered broccoli and crusty rolls.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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