Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Burgundy Beef Stew?
It is a hearty meal featuring tender chunks of stewing beef slowly simmered in Burgundy wine, mushrooms, garlic, and onions.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Stewing beef cut into 1-inch cubes is ideal as it becomes very tender during the slow cooking process.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, searing the floured beef in a skillet for 5-7 minutes helps lock in flavor and improves the texture of the stew.
Can I substitute the Burgundy wine?
Yes, you can use any dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, or beef broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
How long does it take to cook?
The stew should be cooked on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
While low is recommended for the best texture, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours.
What should I serve with Burgundy beef stew?
This stew is traditionally served over fluffy white, brown, or wild rice.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the purpose of dusting the beef in flour?
The flour helps create a nice crust during browning and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce as it cooks.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal that captures the essence of French cuisine.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! You can add carrots, potatoes, or peas during the last few hours of cooking for extra nutrition.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
Is there a lot of protein in this dish?
Yes, each serving contains about 30 grams of protein.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
One 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used to create a rich and creamy base.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves, but you can certainly mince fresh cloves for the best flavor.
What oil should I use for searing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for browning the beef.
Is this beef stew gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour and cream of mushroom soup which usually contains gluten; you would need to use gluten-free substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12.5 grams of fat.
Do I need to deglaze the pan?
Yes, adding the wine and soup to the hot skillet helps scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the beef and onions.
Is the sodium content listed?
The specific sodium content is not provided, but you can control it by choosing low-sodium soup and adjusting the salt.
What type of onion is best?
A standard yellow or white onion works perfectly for this savory recipe.
How much wine is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of Burgundy or dry red wine.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer it on very low heat in a heavy pot for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients including the beef, wine, and aromatics.
What happens if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin at the end, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch and water and cook on high for 15 minutes.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is an easy recipe where most of the work happens in the slow cooker after a quick sear.
Should the beef be cooked until it is falling apart?
The goal is for the beef to be 'fork-tender', meaning it breaks apart easily with a fork but still holds its shape.
Does this recipe include mushrooms?
The flavor of mushrooms comes from the cream of mushroom soup used in the base of the stew.