Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Mushrooms?
It is a rich and hearty dish featuring tender beef stew meat, onions, and baby portabella mushrooms simmered in a dry red wine and beefy onion soup mix sauce.
How much beef stew meat is required for this recipe?
You will need 1.5 lbs of well-trimmed beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions cut into 1/2 inch wedges.
What kind of mushrooms are used in this Beef Bourguignon?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of baby portabella mushrooms, which can be left whole or halved.
What is the secret to the savory flavor in this slow cooker meal?
The savory flavor comes from a combination of a 1-ounce package of dry beefy onion soup mix and 1.5 cups of dry red wine.
How is the gravy thickened in this recipe?
The gravy is thickened using 3 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 4-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the beef cook on the low setting?
On the low setting, the beef should cook for 10 to 12 hours.
How long does the beef cook on the high setting?
On the high setting, the beef should cook for 5 to 6 hours.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this Beef Bourguignon?
It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the instructions indicate adding the beef directly to the slow cooker after trimming and cubing.
How should the ingredients be layered in the crock pot?
Add the beef, onions, and mushrooms first, then sprinkle the soup mix and cornstarch mixture before pouring the wine over everything.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry red wine is best for cooking this Beef Bourguignon.
Is this recipe considered a 'one-pot meal'?
Yes, it is a convenient one-pot meal as everything cooks together in the slow cooker.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: beef, onions, mushrooms, beefy onion soup mix, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and dry red wine.
Should I stir the ingredients during the cooking process?
No, you should only give the ingredients a good stir just before serving to combine the flavors.
How should I prepare the beef stew meat?
The beef should be well trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the dish?
Yes, you should adjust the salt and pepper seasoning to taste before serving.
What kind of mushrooms can I substitute if I don't have baby portabella?
While the recipe calls for baby portabella, other earthy mushrooms like cremini or white button mushrooms would be suitable substitutes.
What is the prep time involved?
Prep involves trimming beef and slicing onions, making it a quick 'set it and forget it' meal.
Is this dish suitable for a cozy family dinner?
Yes, its rich flavors and comforting nature make it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium-sized onions.
What happens to the cornstarch during cooking?
The cornstarch acts as a thickener, turning the wine and juices into a savory mushroom gravy.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe because the slow cooker does most of the work.
How much dry red wine is used?
You will need 1.5 cups of dry red wine.
Can I cook this faster than 5 hours?
The fastest recommended time is 5 to 6 hours on the high setting to ensure the beef is tender.
What is the final texture of the beef?
The beef becomes tender and melds beautifully with the other flavors after slow cooking.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to taste for seasoning.
What is the specific soup mix used?
The recipe uses one 1-ounce package of beefy onion soup mix.
How should the onions be cut?
The onions should be cut into 1/2 inch wedges.