Slow-Cooker Mushrooms

Whether you’re hosting a sit-down dinner or looking for an effortless side for your weekly steak night, these slow-cooker mushrooms fit the bill. Simply pile fresh mushrooms, pearl onions and a flavorful blend of seasonings in your slow cooker, then let it work its magic for six to eight hours.

Combined with a wine-infused broth, garlic and herbs, the humble mushroom transforms into something deeply flavorful and complex, making it a savory, saucy side for roasted meats or a brothy topping for spooning over mashed potatoes.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Mushrooms

• Fresh mushrooms: A mix of medium-sized mushrooms provides the bulk of this savory dish. You can use any type of mushroom, but cremini or a mix of wild mushrooms will develop deliciously complex flavors during the slow-cooking process.
• Pearl onions: These small, sweet onions add a delicate onion flavor that complements the mushrooms beautifully. If you can’t find frozen pearl onions, use sweet onions instead.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with its rich aromatic flavor.
• Beef broth: A reduced-sodium beef broth forms the base of the cooking liquid, providing a rich and savory base for slow-cooking the mushrooms.
• Red wine: Cooking with a dry red wine adds a layer of acidity and depth to balance the dish’s flavors.
• Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic gives the slow-cooker mushrooms a slight tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the flavorful broth.
• Olive oil: A small amount of olive oil adds richness and helps bind all the flavors together.
• Herbs and spices: Salt, dried basil, dried thyme, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes create a well-rounded flavor profile for these slow-cooker mushrooms.

Directions

Step 1: Start loading the slow cooker

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Place the mushrooms, thawed pearl onions and minced garlic into a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the seasonings

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In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, basil, thyme, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.

Editor’s Tip: Using a high-quality dry red wine like merlot or cabernet sauvignon will deepen the flavor of these slow-cooker mushrooms.

Step 3: Combine and cook

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Pour this mixture over the mushrooms and onions in the slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low for six to eight hours or until the mushrooms are tender.

Editor’s Tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid and check on the mushrooms. Every time you open the slow cooker, heat escapes, which can extend the cooking time.

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Slow-Cooker Mushroom Variations

• Make it creamy: Adding 1/2 cup heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking will result in a richer dish.
• Use fresh herbs: Swap out the dried herbs for fresh to give the slow-cooker mushrooms a brighter herbal note.
• Try a vegetarian version: Replace the beef broth with homemade vegetable stock for a delicious plant-based version of this dish.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Mushrooms

Allow the slow-cooker mushrooms to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze slow-cooker mushrooms?

Yes, you can freeze these slow-cooker mushrooms. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Slow-Cooker Mushroom Tips

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What type of mushrooms work best for slow-cooker mushrooms?

Baby bella, white button and portobello mushrooms work well in slow-cooked dishes due to their meaty texture. Shiitake mushrooms or a mix of wild mushrooms can also add incredible umami to the recipe.

Can you skip the wine in slow-cooker mushrooms?

Yes, you can keep this dish alcohol-free by swapping in additional beef broth for the red wine. These Crockpot mushrooms can develop a similar depth of flavor without the acidity of the wine.

Can you overcook mushrooms in a slow cooker?

While mushrooms are a fairly forgiving ingredient when it comes to slow-cooking, they can become mushy if they’re cooked too long. Stick to the recommended six to eight hours on low, and check for doneness at the six-hour mark if your slow cooker tends to run hot.

What pairs well with mushrooms in the slow cooker?

These slow-cooker mushrooms are the perfect accompaniment to a grilled steak or a serving of roasted meat. You can also serve them alongside mashed potatoes or rice and a fresh side salad.