Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Cheeks
So, let me tell you about this absolutely amazing dish—Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Cheeks. I mean, just thinking about it makes me all warm and cozy inside. Picture this: tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, simmered in aromatic herbs and a rich, flavorful red wine, filling your kitchen with the most divine scent… It’s honestly perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is something comforting. Plus, the slow cooking? A total game-changer. You just throw everything in, and let time do its magic, which is… well, just my kind of cooking!
Why You’ll Crave It
- The beef cheeks become so, so tender, it’s like they just melt away—no effort at all.
- The deep flavor from the red wine… honestly, it’s like getting a warm hug from your favorite cozy sweater.
- So easy to make—just set it and forget it! Perfect for busy days or… lazy days, really.
- Leftovers are a total win! Tacos, sandwiches, or just reheat ’em for an even better meal.
- It impresses everyone! Trust me, your friends will think you’ve been cooking all day.
The first time I made this, my partner couldn’t stop raving about it for days…
What You’ll Need
- Beef Cheeks: 1.5 kg, trimmed and ready to soak up all that goodness
- Red Wine: 750 ml—grab a bottle you’d enjoy drinking, trust me, it makes a difference!
- Beef Stock: 1 cup, it adds extra richness, you’ll see
- Carrots: 2 large, chopped, for a touch of sweetness
- Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped, because who doesn’t love the smell of onions cooking?
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced—garlic is life!
- Thyme: 4 sprigs, fresh is best for that extra flavor kick
- Rosemary: 2 sprigs—oh, the aroma!
- Bay Leaves: 2, they add a lovely depth
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, just for searing the beef
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste, season to your heart’s desire
- Cornflour: 2 tablespoons—for thickening the sauce later
- Water: as needed, to adjust the sauce consistency if you need
Easy How-To
Getting Ready to Cook
Alright, let’s dive in! First things first—gather all your ingredients. You want everything handy so you don’t have to scramble, right? Trim the beef cheeks if they need it, and chop up those carrots, onions, and garlic, making your kitchen smell all kinds of delicious. A little prep goes a long way!
Sear the Goodness
Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil… just enough to coat the bottom. Time to sear those beef cheeks! Toss them in and let them develop that beautifully deep, brown crust on both sides. Don’t rush this step—it’s crucial for flavor!
Aromatics in the House
After searing, in the same skillet, lower the heat a bit, and add your chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until they’re nice and soft, about 3 or 4 minutes. That fragrance? It’s a sign you’re doing something right. Remember to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan!
Deglazing, Baby
Now for a fun part—pour in that cup of red wine and deglaze the pan! Just scrape the bottom to get all the stuck bits mixed in. Let it simmer for… oh, just a few minutes until it reduces a bit. That’s going to make your sauce even richer!
Slow Cooker Magic
Time to transfer everything! Put the seared beef cheeks, those sautéed onions and garlic, and that reduced wine into your slow cooker. Make sure it’s all mixed up nicely! Make it all cozy in there.
Add the Rest
Now, add the rest of the red wine, beef stock, carrots, herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir, just to combine everything well. You’re doing great!
Setting the Scene
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for a good 8 hours—or if you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high for about 4. Just keep checking for that tender, fall-apart goodness.
Finishing Touches
Once it’s done, oh wow… Taste it! Adjust seasoning if needed. Honestly, I sometimes serve it right over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s just the best way to soak up that incredible sauce.
Good to Know
- When picking your wine, go for something you like to drink—trust me, it makes a world of difference.
- If you’re unsure about cooking time, just check for tenderness after about 6 hours. You want it fork-tender!
- Leftovers? Keep ’em in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge or freeze for later.
Serving Ideas
- Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, to really soak up that rich sauce, or maybe some crusty bread to mop it up.
Top Tricks
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the beef cheeks after they’re tender and simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cuts of beef?
Oh sure, if you’re in a pinch! Chuck or brisket can work, but remember that cooking times will vary a bit.
How long does it take to cook beef cheeks in a slow cooker?
Usually, about 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high, until you can shred the meat with a fork… so satisfying!
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Making it a day ahead will actually allow the flavors to deepen. Just pop it in the fridge after it cools.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep ’em in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days, or freeze for later…but I doubt they’ll last that long!
What side dishes pair well with beef cheeks?
These beauties go great with mashed potatoes, polenta, or even some roasted veggies. Just make sure there’s something to soak up that rich sauce!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Cheeks recipe really shows how simple ingredients can turn into something truly special with just a bit of time. The tender meat soaked in deep, rich flavors is perfect for gatherings or just a cozy family meal. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making this again…and again.
More recipe suggestions and combinations
Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon
Think about trying Beef Bourguignon next! It has that same comforting essence with the addition of mushrooms—so good!
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Short ribs in red wine? Yes please! They become super tender and flavorful, a perfect pairing with… well, anything!
Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin
For something a bit different, how about Coq au Vin? A delicious chicken dish with red wine and earthy mushrooms. Total comfort food.
Beef Cheek Tacos
Got leftovers? Shred that beef and make tacos topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. It’s a delightful twist!