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

Diana Rattray for Taste of Home

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

Step 2: Mix the seasonings

Diana Rattray for Taste of Home

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

Diana Rattray for Taste of Home

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.

Diana Rattray for Taste of Home

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

Diana Rattray for Taste of Home

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.