Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
This Slow Cooker Coq au Vin is a rich and hearty French dish, reimagined for the convenience of the crock pot. Drawing inspiration from traditional French cooking methods, this adaptation incorporates the tantalizing flavors of red wine, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a mouthwatering stew that's perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. The chuck roast becomes incredibly tender as it braises in red wine, mingling with sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, and carrots for a dish that is not only comforting but also bursting with flavor. Serve it alongside crusty French bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that everyone will savor!
8
Servings
275
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (whisked with salt and pepper)
Salt
1 teaspoon (part of seasoning mix)
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (part of seasoning mix)
Cubed stew meat
2 lbs (coated with flour mixture)
Butter
4 tablespoons (melted in skillet)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Red pepper
1 (diced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Button mushrooms
1 lb (cleaned and left whole)
White pearl onions
1 lb (peeled)
Carrots
4 (peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
Red wine
1 cup (for cooking)
Bay leaf
1 (added for flavor)
Fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (added for flavor)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
2
Lightly coat the cubed stew meat with the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
3
In a large skillet or cast iron pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. If desired, add cooked bacon slices first, then use the rendered fat along with the butter for extra flavor.
4
Add the coated beef cubes to the skillet and brown them on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
5
Once browned, incorporate the chopped onion, sliced carrots, whole mushrooms, diced red pepper, and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes until the onion becomes tender.
6
Pour in the red wine, add the bay leaf, fresh parsley, and dried thyme. Stir until everything is well combined.
7
Transfer the sautéed mixture into the crock pot and stir gently to combine. Cover with the lid.
8
Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, during which the ingredients will meld beautifully.
9
Before serving, discard the bay leaf and garnish the stew with extra chopped parsley and crumbled bacon if desired.
10
Serve hot with crusty French bread, mashed potatoes, or over egg noodles for a delightful and fulfilling meal.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Coq au Vin?
This is a rich and hearty French-inspired stew adapted for a slow cooker, traditionally featuring meat braised in red wine with vegetables and aromatic herbs.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for cubed stew meat or chuck roast, which becomes incredibly tender during the long braising process in the slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
The dish should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Can I cook this recipe on the high setting?
While the recipe recommends low for 6-8 hours for best results, you could typically cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
Why do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Browning the meat in a skillet first enhances the flavor of the meat and creates a better texture for the final stew.
What is the purpose of the flour coating?
Coating the meat in flour helps to brown the beef more effectively and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce as it cooks.
What kind of red wine should I use?
A dry red wine like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon is typically best for French-style stews like Coq au Vin.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine?
You can substitute the red wine with beef broth and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to maintain acidity.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
The recipe includes button mushrooms, white pearl onions, carrots, red pepper, and regular chopped onions.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, while button mushrooms are called for, you can use cremini, baby bella, or even wild mushrooms for deeper flavor.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Coq au Vin?
It is delicious when served with crusty French bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or over a bed of egg noodles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 275 calories per serving in this recipe.
Can I add bacon to this dish?
Yes, you can add cooked bacon slices and use the rendered fat to brown the meat for extra flavor, as well as use crumbled bacon as a garnish.
Do I need to peel the pearl onions?
Yes, the white pearl onions should be peeled before being added to the mixture.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, discard the bay leaf after cooking as it is used for infusion and is not intended to be eaten.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh parsley, dried thyme, and a bay leaf for a traditional French herb profile.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, if using fresh thyme, use about three times the amount of dried thyme (approximately 1 tablespoon).
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it excellent for meal prep.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Coq au Vin?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended to accommodate the 2 lbs of meat and the large volume of vegetables.
Why is there red pepper in this recipe?
The diced red pepper adds a subtle sweetness and color that complements the traditional earthy flavors of the stew.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin after 8 hours, you can whisk together a little cornstarch and water and stir it in for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Traditional Coq au Vin uses chicken. If you swap beef for chicken thighs, reduce the slow cooking time to 4-5 hours on low.
What is the nutritional breakdown for protein?
Each serving contains approximately 18.75 grams of protein.
Can I add other root vegetables?
Certainly; parsnips or small Yukon gold potatoes would make great additions to this slow-cooked meal.
Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables before slow cooking?
Sautéing the vegetables for 5-10 minutes softens them and releases their natural sugars, which results in a deeper flavor profile.
What makes this different from Beef Bourguignon?
While very similar in ingredients and technique, this recipe is labeled as a slow-cooker adaptation of the classic Coq au Vin style.