If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to gather around the table for seconds and maybe thirds, thanks to its tender beef, creamy sauce, and rich flavors that build slowly over time. Perfect for busy days when you want a hands-off dinner that feels homemade and indulgent, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying classic everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating a stew that’s bursting with taste, texture, and color. Each element contributes something special, from the tender beef stew meat to the earthy mushrooms, making this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe incredibly delicious and easy.
- Beef Stew Meat (2 lbs): Choose well-marbled pieces for the best tenderness and flavor as they slow cook to perfection.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped): Offers a natural sweetness and depth to the stew’s base.
- Fresh Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Adds an earthy note and meaty texture that complements the beef beautifully.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth (3 cups): Essential for a rich, savory liquid that tenderizes the meat while keeping the dish flavorful.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Gives the stroganoff that signature creamy richness and slight tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): Imparts umami depth, making the sauce irresistible.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a mild sharpness to balance richness and enhance complexity.
- Flour or Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Used to thicken the sauce perfectly just before serving.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season to bring all the flavors beautifully together.
- Cooked Egg Noodles or Rice: The ideal comforting base to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion and slicing the mushrooms. These fresh vegetables will infuse your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe with layers of flavor and vibrancy, so taking the time to prep them well pays off in the final dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef stew meat until a crust forms on the outside. This step is crucial because it locks in flavor and enhances the richness of the final stew, setting the stage for a deeply satisfying meal.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beautifully browned beef to your slow cooker, then add the chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Give it all a gentle stir so every ingredient mingles and prepares to create a savory symphony of tastes.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully. This long, slow cooking time is what makes this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Thicken and Add Creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the sour cream with your choice of flour or cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker. This step adds the luscious creaminess you expect from a classic stroganoff and thickens the sauce perfectly without curdling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your warm, savory beef stroganoff over freshly cooked egg noodles or a bed of fluffy rice. The tender beef, creamy sauce, and vibrant vegetables make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your stroganoff is the final flourish that makes it irresistible. Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the richness and ties the dish together beautifully.
Side Dishes
While egg noodles or rice are classic, consider serving your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad to add brightness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stroganoff in individual bread bowls or spoon it over roasted vegetable stacks for a low-carb option. Presentation can turn this comforting dish into an elegant dinner party feature or a cozy family feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef stroganoff tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, chuck roast or brisket cut into chunks will also work wonderfully because they become tender after long cooking.
Is it okay to substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative, but add it off heat and gently stir it in to prevent curdling or separation.
Can I prepare this dish without a slow cooker?
Definitely. You can brown the meat and simmer everything on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 hours until tender, just watch the liquid levels carefully.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and thick enough to coat the beef and noodles without being gluey. The flour or cornstarch added near the end is key for achieving the perfect consistency.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles make excellent bases for soaking up this flavorful sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. With its rich sauce, tender beef, and simple preparation, it’s a perfect recipe to keep in your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings to your table!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender beef stew meat is browned and then slow-cooked with mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, and flavorful Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. The dish is finished with creamy sour cream thickened with flour or cornstarch, and is best served over egg noodles or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and slice the mushrooms so they are ready to be cooked.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef stew meat until a crust forms on all sides, which helps to develop deep flavor.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors meld together.
- Thicken and Add Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the sour cream with flour or cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce and add creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff hot over cooked egg noodles or rice, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for color and extra flavor.
Notes
- For best results, brown the beef well as it adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
- You can use flour or cornstarch as a thickener; cornstarch will yield a slightly clearer sauce.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your beef broth is already salted.
- This recipe is perfect for prepping and leaving unattended during the day for a hassle-free dinner.
