Slow Cooker Braised Beef with Onions & Mushrooms

I remember one chilly evening when I came home after a long day and craved something warm and comforting yet effortless. Slow cooker braised beef with onions & mushrooms was exactly what I needed and it has remained my go-to dish for such days. The aroma that filled the kitchen as it cooked slowly was enough to make everyone impatient for dinner and the first bite was even better than the scent suggested.

What I love most about this recipe is how it turns simple ingredients into something deeply rich and flavorful. With just a bit of prep and the help of a slow cooker this meal practically cooks itself while I get to focus on other things or simply unwind. It’s hearty it’s satisfying and it always impresses anyone I serve it to.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chuck beef – Tender and flavorful when slow cooked it becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious
• Onions – Add sweetness and depth to the dish as they soften and caramelize
• Chestnut mushrooms – Offer an earthy richness that pairs perfectly with beef
• Garlic – Enhances the savory profile of the dish
• Worcestershire sauce – Gives a bold umami flavor and complexity
• Tomato purée – Adds a slight tang and helps thicken the sauce
• Beef stock – Brings everything together with savory richness
• Cornflour – Used at the end for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow Cooker – Essential for low-and-slow cooking that makes the beef incredibly tender
• Sharp Knife – For slicing the onions and mushrooms evenly
• Cutting Board – To prep your vegetables and meat cleanly and safely
• Measuring Spoons – To get the right balance of seasoning and sauces
• Mixing Bowl – Helpful for blending the cornflour and liquid before adding it to the slow cooker
• Tongs – For easily transferring the beef and stirring the ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

I start by slicing the onions into thick wedges and halving or quartering the mushrooms depending on their size. Then I cut the beef into large chunks if it’s not already pre-cut.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

I place the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker then add the mushrooms and nestle the beef chunks right on top. This layering helps the onions cook down and flavor the beef.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Next I mix together Worcestershire sauce, tomato purée, crushed garlic and beef stock in a small bowl. I pour this flavorful mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker making sure everything gets coated.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

I cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. During this time the beef becomes incredibly tender and the sauce rich and aromatic.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 15 minutes before serving I mix cornflour with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker. I let it cook for the final 15 minutes to thicken up beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Once thickened and bubbling I gently stir everything together and serve hot straight from the pot.

Tips

If you prefer a deeper flavor I sometimes brown the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker though it’s completely optional. I also like to use chestnut mushrooms for their firm texture but button mushrooms work well too. For an extra boost of richness I sometimes add a splash of red wine to the stock mixture.

Ways to Serve

I love serving this slow cooker braised beef with onions & mushrooms over creamy mashed potatoes because the rich sauce soaks in so beautifully. It also goes wonderfully with buttery egg noodles or soft polenta for a comforting twist. Don’t forget some roasted root vegetables or steamed greens on the side to round out the meal and add a touch of brightness to the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze slow cooker braised beef with onions & mushrooms?
Yes this dish freezes very well. Let it cool completely then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes brisket or stewing beef also works well for slow cooking and delivers similar tenderness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin I stir in a cornflour slurry and let it cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes.

Do I need to sauté the onions or mushrooms first?
You don’t have to but sautéing adds another layer of flavor. I usually skip this step when I’m in a hurry.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this slow cooker braised beef with onions & mushrooms a try! It’s hearty cozy and perfect for days when you need a comforting dinner with minimal effort. Let me know how it turns out and feel free to share your tweaks with me. Save this recipe to your cold-weather favorites list!
Happy Cooking!

Print