Delicious Crock Pot Beef with Red Wine Recipe
Looking for a fail-proof recipe that will elevate your weeknight dinner game and impress your guests on the weekend? Look no further than this crock pot beef with red wine recipe.
This delicious and easy-to-follow recipe checks all the boxes – juicy, tender beef slow-cooked to perfection in a savory red wine sauce that will have you sopping up every last drop with crusty bread or spooning over buttery mashed potatoes. And best of all, you can set it and forget it in your trusty slow cooker, leaving you with plenty of time to tackle other tasks or just relax until dinner is served.
Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting a larger gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try today and taste the magic for yourself? Get ready to become the star of your kitchen and have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of savory, slow-cooked dishes that taste phenomenal with just minimal effort? Then this Crock Pot Beef with Red Wine Recipe is perfect for you!
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s very tender and juicy. You don’t have to worry about tough cuts of beef when using a slow cooker because the meat will cook low and slow, resulting in succulent beef that melts in your mouth. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or weekend potlucks where you want to impress your guests but not spend too much time in the kitchen.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. This recipe works well with any cut of roast beef, such as chuck roast or beef brisket, which can be easily substituted in the recipe. Moreover, you can add potatoes, carrots, onions, or any other veggies you like to make it more colorful and nutritious. The wine gives it an intense flavor that produces a rich sauce everyone will love.
Plus, if you love wine, then using a dry red wine in this dish will be perfect! You won’t need to drink the whole bottle – use leftover wine as an ingredient in your meal instead! As the wine cooks down in the slow cooker, it imparts amazing depth and complexity into each bite of your meal.
Finally, one of the best things about making this dish is how versatile it is as both an entree and an appetizer. Serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a comforting main course meal, or pile up some rolls with the beef and cheese on top for warm winter sandwiches that are sure to please.
In conclusion, this Crock Pot Beef with Red Wine Recipe offers you everything you could want in a meal: effortless convenience, deep flavors imparted by high-quality ingredients, and versatility during both preparation and serving. Once you try this recipe once, trust us – you’ll be making it again and again.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious crockpot beef with red wine recipe:
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast (or any other pot roast cuts that you prefer)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup dry red wine (choose a good quality one like an Italian red)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet onion soup mix (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Note that it is important to choose high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor from your slow-cooked meal. It’s also possible to add your preferred vegetables and seasoning to this dish to make a flavorful beef stew recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before getting started on this recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. To follow this recipe, you need 3 lbs of beef chuck roast or beef cheeks, cut into 1-2 inch cubes, 2 medium-sized onions, chopped; 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 tbsp of olive oil; kosher salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup of dry red wine; 2 cups of beef broth; and 2 tbsp of cornstarch.
Step 2: Browning the Beef Chuck Roast
To get started with the main part of the preparation process, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef chuck roast to it and season generously with salt and pepper. Brown the meat well from all sides for about 6-8 minutes until they form a nicely brown crust all around them.
Step 3: Adding Vegetables and Red Wine
Once the beef is browned on all sides, transfer it to your slow cooker pot. To ensure you don’t miss any flavor, scrape any browned bits from your skillet to your pot as well with a wooden spoon or spatula. In the pot with beef in it add chopped onions and peeled and chopped potatoes. Pour wine over it all. Add beef broth too.
Step 4: Low Heat Cooking
Now that you have added all ingredients together in your slow cooker pot, cover it with a lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for up to 6 hours until fork-tender.
Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce
To thicken the sauce after cooking time has elapsed, combine cornstarch with cold water at a ratio of 1:3 parts respectively before adding it into your mixture in your slow cooker pot. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Serving Your Beef Red Wine Gravy
With all the steps done, you finally have your perfect slow cooked beef in red wine sauce. Serve as a main dish with some freshly baked bread or mashed potatoes.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, there is always room for improvisation and substitutions. This recipe is no different. Here are some ideas for substitutions or variations to try:
– Instead of red wine, you can use white wine, rose wine, or even beer. Each will give a different flavor profile to your dish.
– If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead. You will need to mix it with water or broth though to create a slurry that thickens the sauce.
– Potatoes are not the only vegetable that works in this dish. Carrots, turnips, parsnips or even mushrooms would be great additions.
– For a twist on the classic pot roast recipe add a spicy kick with chili peppers.
– Different cuts of beef can be used like beef cheeks, brisket or topside which can elevate your beef experience to the next level.
– If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more cornstarch (mixed with cold water), and if you prefer thinner sauce add more beef broth.
These substitutions and variations can help you make this recipe your own and tailor it to your personal taste. Just don’t be afraid to get creative and explore new options!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your mouth is watering with the smells wafting from your crockpot, it’s time to start planning the perfect meal to pair with this slow-cooked perfection. I recommend serving this hearty beef dish with some roasted potatoes and a crunchy salad to add some texture and freshness to balance the tender beef.
As for wine, don’t be afraid to stick with the star ingredient and serve up a bold red wine like a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or an Italian Chianti. The dryness in the red wine will complement the richness of the beef and help cut through any fat.
If you’re not feeling a red, try a nice dry white like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Their acidity can also help balance out the savory flavors of the beef and bring out its subtle sweetness.
Another classic option for pairing with beef dishes is beer. A full-bodied ale or porter can pair well with the richness of the meat, while adding some carbonation to lighten things up.
Overall, this crockpot beef with red wine recipe is best served with something hearty, flavorful, and delicious. Whether you choose to serve it up with a bold red or a hoppy ale, your taste buds are sure to thank you for this delicious combo.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you short on time but want to impress your guests with a hearty and flavorful meal? Look no further than this crockpot beef with red wine recipe, which can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later use.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the final step of adding the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to serve, let the mixture thaw if frozen and reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the slow cooker on low for two to three hours, being careful not to overcook the meat.
Storing leftovers is also a breeze. Transfer any remaining beef and sauce into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick.
This versatile recipe can also be used in other dishes such as beef bourguignon, beef brisket recipe, and beef casserole, giving you endless options for meal planning. With these storage tips, you can enjoy this decadent crockpot beef with red wine dish without worrying about running out of time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking in a slow cooker can be quite tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, anyone can make a delicious meal. Here are some tips for perfect results while cooking the crockpot beef with red wine recipe:
1. Choose the right cut of beef
To get the best results, choose a good cut of beef. A roast beef or chuck roast is perfect for this recipe as they have enough fat content to keep the meat moist as it cooks slowly.
2. Brown the meat before slow cooking
Browning the meat will add flavor and texture to your dish. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat in small batches and brown on all sides. This will ensure that your meat is cooked evenly.
3. Don’t skimp on seasoning
Seasoning is an essential part of any meal’s flavor profile, so don’t skimp when seasoning your meat before slow cooking. Liberally coat your beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Use cornstarch
To thicken your sauce or gravy, use cornstarch instead of flour. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until dissolved before pouring it into the sauce. Cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken.
5. Don’t lift the lid too often
One of the biggest mistakes people make when using a slow cooker is lifting the lid too often. Every time you do, you release heat and add additional cooking time to your dish.
6. Cook on low heat for best results
Cooking on low heat is key to tenderizing your beef while maintaining its flavor and juices. Cook on low for eight to ten hours or until the beef is tender when pierced with a fork.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious pot roast every time with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Bottom Line
With its deep, rich flavors and tender textures, crock pot beef with red wine is an irresistible dish that you should definitely try. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves a good hearty meal that warms up the soul. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe will not disappoint.
In conclusion, this slow cooker beef recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of red wine-infused dishes. With versatile ingredients and simple-to-follow instructions, you can whip up an amazing meal without much effort. So go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of red wine to enjoy with it.Cheers!
Crock Pot Beef With Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 -4 lbs roast beef
- 4 medium onions, cut up
- 6 potatoes (red or new)
- 2 (82 g) envelopes onion soup mix (or standard U.S.)
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- salt & pepper (sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper recommended)
- 3 cups dry red wine (Merlot or Beaujolais recommended)
Instructions
- Place the beef, potatoes and onions in a crockpot.
- Add the dry soup mix over top.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch, salt and pepper.
- Pour red wine over all.
- Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 10 to 12 hours (or 5-6 hours on HIGH).