Delicious and Tender Beef with Red Wine Gravy Recipe

Welcome to my slow cooker beef with red wine gravy recipe! If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this is the recipe for you. This dish is perfect for chilly nights when you want something warm and comforting.

Using a slow cooker makes this recipe ultra-easy – just toss everything in and let it cook low and slow all day. The result is tender, juicy beef packed with the rich flavors of red wine, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and fresh mushrooms.

I love making this dish for family gatherings or potluck dinners because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. Plus, the leftovers are amazing – if there are any left!

In this recipe article, we’ll go through all the step-by-step instructions to make this mouth-watering slow cooker beef with red wine gravy. We’ll also provide variations for different types of meat and substitutions you can make based on what you have on hand in your pantry. Lastly, we’ll talk about some tips and tricks for getting the best results and answer some frequently asked questions.

Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of the same old boring beef recipes? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef with Red Wine Gravy recipe! With its succulent, juicy beef and rich wine sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Firstly, the recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The convenience of a slow cooker means that you can set it on low in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal in the evening.

Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use any cut of beef you like, whether it’s stewing beef, chuck cut beef or even brisket. This recipe also works well with other types of meat such as braised short ribs, ox cheek, beef tenderloin, or even beef bourguignon. The choice is yours!

Thirdly, the red wine gravy takes this Slow Cooker Beef to another level. The addition of dry red wine gives the dish a depth of flavor that cannot be achieved with just broth alone. You’ll have a luscious gravy sauce perfect for pouring over potatoes, rice or vegetables.

Lastly, making this recipe will fill your home with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked beef and red wine sauce, making you feel like a master chef in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to make enough for leftovers because they make an amazing sandwich using crusty ciabatta bread and melted provolone cheese!

Overall, Slow Cooker Beef with Red Wine Gravy is an easy and impressive main course perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and I guarantee that you’ll love this recipe just as much as I do!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Beef with Red Wine Gravy in your slow cooker:

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 pounds beef chuck cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 onion sliced
• 4 fresh mushrooms chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can of beef broth (10.75 oz)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and there are a few substitutions and variations you can try.

Beef:

Stewing beef, beef tenderloin, braised short ribs or ox cheek can be used instead of beef chuck.

Wine:

For best results, use a dry red wine like Italian red or Bordeaux. If you have any leftover red wine that has gone stale, that’s perfect to use for this recipe.

Mushrooms:

Fresh mushrooms work best for this recipe, but canned mushrooms are an acceptable substitute.

Onion:

While sliced onions work well in this recipe, pearl onions or shallots can also be used.

With these substitutions and variations, you’ll have delicious outcomes every time!

The Recipe How-To

Here’s how to make this delicious beef with red wine gravy slow cooker recipe, which is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe (ingredients 1x, 2x or 3x depending on how many servings you need):

• 3 pounds stewing beef or beef chuck cut into 1 inch cubes
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cold water
• 1 cup (250 ml) dry red wine, such as Italian red wine
• 2 cups (500 ml) beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 oz (115 g) fresh mushrooms, chopped
• Optional: a splash of Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your slow cooker beef with red wine gravy:

1. In a large bowl, season the stewing beef cubes with salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
3. Place the seasoned beef cubes in the slow cooker and pour the cornstarch mixture over them, stirring gently to coat evenly.
4. Add in the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, garlic, onion, and mushrooms.
5. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 8 hours or on HIGH heat for 4 hours.
7. When done cooking, remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker.
8. Using a ladle or measuring cup, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the gravy.
9. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for dipping in the delicious wine gravy.

Notes

• Make sure you don’t overcook the beef, as it can become tough and chewy. Slow cooking guarantees tender beef.
• You can substitute the stewing beef with other cuts, such as beef cheeks, ox cheek, beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, beef topside or brisket.
• Feel free to experiment with other dry red wines to find your favorite flavor. Italian red wines are often recommended for this recipe.
• For a thicker gravy, add more cornstarch/water mixture at the end until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the beauties of this slow cooker beef with red wine gravy recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can easily swap out some of the ingredients to suit your personal preferences or to work with what you have on hand. Here are a few substitutions and variations to get you started:

– Beef: While stewing beef works well in this recipe, you could also use beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes or beef stew meat. You could even try ox cheek, braised short ribs, beef brisket or tenderloin for a more luxurious twist.

– Red wine: If you’re not a fan of red wine, you could use a dry white wine instead. Alternatively, you could try an Italian red like Chianti or Barolo for a deeper flavor.

– Fresh mushrooms: Don’t have any fresh mushrooms on hand? Use 2-3 tablespoons of dried mushrooms instead.

– Onion: Swap out the onion for sliced shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.

– Tomato paste: If you don’t have any tomato paste, you could use a can of diced tomatoes instead.

– Worcestershire sauce: No Worcestershire sauce in your pantry? Try using soy sauce instead.

By making these substitutions and variations, you can create a completely different taste and experience with this delicious beef with red wine gravy recipe. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to your preference and make sure not to overcook the beef if using a different cut.

Serving and Pairing

This delicious slow cooker beef with red wine gravy recipe is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and full, making it perfect for a cozy night in. When it comes to serving this dish, there are plenty of options. You can choose to serve it up family-style straight from the slow cooker, or you can place it into individual bowls for each person.

This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides such as roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy. If you’re looking for a wine pairing to complement the flavors in this dish, be sure to stick with a dry red wine like an Italian red or a full-bodied Bordeaux. The deep flavors in these wines work great with the rich and hearty flavors of the beef and red wine sauce.

For those who want a non-alcoholic beverage option, consider serving this dish with a simple glass of sparkling water or even some fresh juice made from oranges or cranberries. The acidity in these juices pairs well with the richness of the sauce.

Overall, this slow cooker beef with red wine gravy recipe is versatile enough to pair with many different sides and beverages, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. Whether you’re looking for something easy and comforting or something that will impress your guests at a dinner party, this recipe has got you covered.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This beef with red wine gravy recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals! Once cooked, allow the beef to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place the beef and gravy into a pan and warm it on the stovetop on medium heat. Add some cold water or beef broth to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally and adjust the power setting so that it heats evenly.

If you are planning on making this dish ahead of time, I recommend making the gravy separately and storing it in a separate container. This will prevent the meat from getting too soggy when reheating. You can simply pour the gravy over your already cooked beef when you are ready to serve.

Overall, this recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or for when you want a comforting meal without spending hours cooking each day. The flavors only get better with time as they develop in the fridge or freezer, so feel free to make a large batch of this red wine beef ahead of time so that you always have a delicious meal on hand!

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure the best possible outcome for our Beef with Red Wine Gravy recipe, here are some tips to follow:

Firstly, be sure to cut your beef into 1-inch cubes. This will allow for even cooking and tender meat.

Secondly, sear the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This step will add depth of flavor to the dish.

Next, use a good quality red wine for the recipe. The alcohol in the wine will help tenderize the beef while also adding rich flavors to the gravy.

It is important to not overcook the beef in the slow cooker. Overcooked beef can result in tough and dry meat. Therefore, be sure to only cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Lastly, be patient! Slow cooking requires time and patience but it will result in a deliciously tender and flavorful dish.

By following these tips, you’ll guarantee that your Beef with Red Wine Gravy will be a hit at any dinner party or weekday family meal.

FAQ

Now that you have all the necessary information about this delicious Beef With Red Wine Gravy (Slow Cooker) recipe, you might still have some lingering questions. In this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe to ensure that you can make it with confidence and without any confusion. So, let’s dive deep into these FAQs and get your slow cooker working to produce one of the best beef recipes out there!

Does red wine cook off in slow cooker?

Adding red wine to a slow cooker can result in a dish that is excessively flavored by the alcohol because the low cooking temperatures do not evaporate the alcohol adequately. To prevent this, it is advisable to first sear the meat and then deglaze the pan with wine on the stovetop before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can you overcook gravy beef in slow cooker?

Despite the fact that slow cookers are engineered to slowly prepare meals over extended periods, it is possible to overcook the food if it is cooked on an inappropriate setting for too long.

Can I put raw beef straight into a slow cooker?

It is completely fine to prepare raw beef in a slow cooker. Some chili recipes recommend browning the beef beforehand for a more enhanced and decadent taste; however, this isn’t a compulsory step.

Is gravy beef or chuck steak better for slow cooker?

When it comes to slow cooking, chuck steak is the perfect choice due to its location on the cow’s shoulder and upper arm. This area is known for being a hardworking part of the animal, which is why chuck steak contains high amounts of collagen. If cooked quickly, the meat can turn out tough; however, with patience and time, it can become tender and moist.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this beef with red wine gravy recipe is a must-try for all food enthusiasts. With its rich and flavorful sauce made with dry red wine and beef broth, it will give you a complex flavor profile that you won’t be able to resist.

Using a slow cooker, this recipe makes cooking this dish effortless and the result is tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. You’ll also love how versatile it is; you can adjust the ingredients to your liking or even use different types of wine to create new variations.

And don’t forget about the amazing health benefits of this stewing beef recipe. The high-quality protein from the beef will help build and repair cells in your body while the antioxidants in red wine will help fight off free radicals that can damage cells.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this beef with red wine gravy recipe is sure to impress everyone with its bold flavors and succulent texture. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your ingredients and start cooking up this delicious slow cooker roast beef recipe today!

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