There’s nothing like a hearty beef and ale stew to warm you through when it’s cold outside. This recipe for Slow Cooker Beef & Ale with Mushrooms is a comforting classic – this version is slow-cooked resulting in tender meat in and dark rich gravy. I’ve served this with pasta, however, it’s especially good with my Best Ever Mashed Potatoes.
I love slow-cooked meals this time of year, but I sometimes run into trouble with slow cookers and knowing how much liquid to add.
Because slow cookers have a tightly sealed lid, the liquid doesn’t evaporate so when adapting a standard recipe, I find it’s best to reduce the liquid by about a third.
The liquid should just cover the meat and vegetables. You also shouldn’t overfill your slow cooker. Half to two thirds full is perfect. So when I started working on this recipe I wasn’t sure how to get the flavor without adding too much stock. So, I cut the stock completely and used just one bottle of beer to cook the meat in.
The result was gloriously tender beef and a sauce that was packed with a rich flavor. I also add the thickening agent at the end, take the lid off and raise the temperature for the last half hour. That way, the stew doesn’t end up more like a soup.
Stay Updated
Receive new recipes & dinner ideas straight to your inbox!
Let's Make
Slow Cooker Beef & Ale with Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Stewing beef cubed
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 sticks celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 16 ounces Baby Portabella Mushrooms sliced or if small keep whole
- 1 12 oz bottle of beer
- 1 beef stock cube
- 3 sprigs of thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ cup cold water
- a good handful fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the mushrooms in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high heat for 3 minutes to release the water. Strain and set aside.
- Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Start by browning the beef in batches on all sides. Add to the slow cooker.
- Using the same pan, add more oil if needed. Soften onion and celery. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
- Stir in the beer. Crumble in the stock cube and add the mushrooms and thyme. Bring to a boil, then add the mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Season well with salt and pepper. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
- Before serving the remove the lid. Add the flour to the water and mix until no lumps appear in the mixture. Mix into the stew and cook uncovered for 30 more minutes on high – this should thicken the sauce nicely.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and serve over, noodles, rice or potatoes.
Nutrition Information:
Tibi says
This recipe looks delicious but I have to ask, 4 pounds of beef for only 4 servings—is this correct? A pound of meat seems like a lot per person!
Erren says
So sorry Tibi, you’re correct. Was supposed to be for 6 people. Thanks for pointing it out. I’ll update as soon as I’m in front of my computer!