Simple Crockpot Mushrooms for Steak

You are going to love how simple Crockpot mushrooms (sliced or whole) are to make! As a holiday side dish or throughout the year with steak, it is simple with a few ingredients so they come out tender every time. If you loved our Instant Pot Mushrooms these will become a family favorite too.

Cooking portobello or button mushrooms in a slow cooker is delicious. With a bit of broth and/or red wine, butter and garlic you can create a wonderful side or topping for burgers or steaks. (affiliate links present)

How Long to Cook Mushrooms in Slow Cooker

Whole or sliced mushrooms differ a bit in cook time. Another variation will be your preferences as to how tender you want them to be. Typically it is best to cover and cook for 3 hours if left whole or 1.5-2 hours if you sliced them into about 4 slices each. If serving with steak I would suggest the latter to really soak up the butter and garlic.

Not only can these be served as is but also made into an entire meal like our Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup which is also a simple meal we love when meal planning. You can use any variety you like, cremini and white are used here.

Should you cook mushrooms fast or slow?

Low and slow, always. Whether you saute them in a pan on the stovetop, this way, or in a skillet on the grill it is best to give them time to soften and soak up the sauce or liquid surrounding them. Even when we are making Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions it is at a lower temperature to get the desired tenderness.

The only time I will cook them quickly is if I am making Boiled Mushrooms. You don’t want them submerged in the water any longer than needed as the hot liquid sucks the flavor out of them. In this case I almost blanch them fast.

Crockpot Mushrooms with Wine

Ingredients

• Whole or sliced mushrooms – cremini and button used
• Butter should be melted with the garlic minced as the “sauce”
• Vegetable broth will allow them to steam but 1/2 red wine will add more flavor
• Add some seasonings for flavor like parsley
  • dill
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • salt and pepper

You could alternatively use a packet of Italian dressing mix or dry ranch dressing packet if you prefer those bolder flavors.

What are the differences in mushrooms?

1. Button Mushrooms / White are small, white, and round with a smooth cap. Mild and slightly earthy. Firm and slightly chewy. Found on pizzas a lot.
2. Cremini Mushrooms / Baby Bella are similar in shape to button but with a brown cap. Earthier and more robust flavor. Firm and slightly meaty.
3. Portobello are large, flat, and brown with a broad cap. Deep, meaty, and savory. Thick and meaty. Ideal for grilling, stuffing, and as a meat substitute in burgers and sandwiches.
4. Shiitake are brown with a wide, umbrella-shaped cap and a distinct stem. Rich, umami, and slightly smoky. Tender but can become chewy when dried. Common in Asian cuisines, excellent in stir-fries, soups, and sauces.

Choosing which ones you should use depends on your preferences as some will keep their shape and texture better than others for sure. Consider what you are serving these with as well. If served on top of hamburgers you would want something a bit firmer like portobellos, sliced to be served this way easier when done. As an easy side dish I prefer whole.

How to Make Creamy Mushrooms

If you want more of a creamy sauce to these you can include the heavy cream near the end. That will transform the sauce into more of an alfredo type of thickness and texture for you. For a healthier option just skip that step entirely.

How to save leftover cooked mushrooms

I will tell you that these will continue to soften if kept in the fridge. If this doesn’t bother you or you plan on using them in a soup or Mushroom Gravy for Pork later, then by all means allow them to cool, move to a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then rewarm in the microwave for 45 seconds or in a pan.

If you want to make something else with them you can crisp those babies up by dipping into a batter to make these delicious Portobello Tempura Mushrooms the next day!!