There’s something truly magical about a dish that fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of simmering beef, mushrooms, and creamy sauce. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is that kind of meal—the one that makes you feel cozy before you even take the first bite. It’s the perfect blend of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, all coming together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or something special to impress your family and friends, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
It works as both a hearty family dinner and a special meal for entertaining guests. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes—the options are endless.
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need expensive cuts of meat to make this dish shine. The slow cooker does all the hard work, turning affordable beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Quick and Easy
Minimal prep, maximum flavor! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No need to babysit the stove or stand over a hot pan.
Customizable
Adjust the richness, add extra mushrooms, or swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up. You can tweak this recipe to match your taste and dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for a rich, creamy, and comforting meal. Let’s break it down:
Beef Stew Meat
The star of the show! Slow cooking transforms tougher cuts into fork-tender bites packed with flavor.
Mushrooms
Earthy and meaty, mushrooms soak up all the delicious sauce and add incredible depth to the dish.
Onion
A must-have for building layers of flavor. As it cooks down, it adds a natural sweetness and richness.
Garlic
A little bit goes a long way! Garlic enhances the dish with a warm, savory aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
Beef Broth
The foundation of the sauce. It infuses the dish with deep, meaty flavor and keeps everything juicy and moist.
Worcestershire Sauce
A secret ingredient that adds an umami punch, making the sauce extra savory and irresistible.
Sour Cream
The creamy component that brings everything together. It adds tanginess and silkiness to the sauce.
Flour
A thickening agent that helps create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
Egg Noodles
The perfect vehicle for soaking up every bit of that rich and creamy stroganoff sauce.
Instructions
Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Set your slow cooker to low or high heat, depending on your schedule. Low heat will give you the most tender meat, but high works great if you’re short on time.
Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
For extra depth of flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This locks in the juices and gives the dish a richer taste.
Combine Ingredients
Add the beef, mushrooms, onion, garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and coat everything evenly in the flavorful liquid.
Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fall-apart tender, and the flavors fully developed.
Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour with a little water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Add the Creamy Finish
Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. This step ensures a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stroganoff over a bed of warm egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve over buttered egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
- Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to add some balance.
- Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Additional Tips
- For extra richness: Add a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the flour for cornstarch and use gluten-free noodles or rice.
- Want more veggies? Carrots, bell peppers, or peas can be added for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftovers taste even better! Store in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Faq’s
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast, sirloin, or even flank steak work well in this recipe.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can simmer everything on the stovetop for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but leave out the sour cream until you reheat to prevent curdling.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds creaminess while keeping it lighter.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
It’s optional, but browning adds extra flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
A simple flour or cornstarch slurry will do the trick! Add it towards the end of cooking.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Make sure to turn off the heat before stirring it in, and let it come to room temperature first.
Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?
Fresh is best, but canned mushrooms can work in a pinch! Just drain them well.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles are great alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that makes life easier with its simple preparation while delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try, and let the slow cooker do the magic!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (LOW) / 4-5 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Russian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish made with tender beef, mushrooms, and a savory sour cream sauce. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days, served best over egg noodles or rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked, for serving
- 2 tbsp butter, melted, for noodles (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Place beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms into the slow cooker.
-
Add Seasoning & Liquid:
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir gently to combine.
-
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
-
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
-
Add Creaminess:
- Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Let it warm for a few minutes, but do not boil.
-
Serve:
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, toss with butter, and serve with beef stroganoff.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap beef stew meat for ground beef for a quicker version.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Add extra mushrooms for a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg