Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Cozy Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Comfort

Beef stroganoff emerges as a comforting classic that warms hearts and satisfies hunger pangs.

Hearty chunks of tender meat mingle with rich, velvety sauce in this effortless dish.

slow cookers work magic by transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Our carefully crafted recipe ensures maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory beef and silky cream.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this crowd-pleasing recipe that takes minimal preparation.

You’ll love how simple ingredients create such a memorable dining experience.

FAQs

  • What cuts of beef work best for this stroganoff?

Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal because they’re budget-friendly and become incredibly tender after slow cooking, breaking down perfectly during the long cooking process.

  • Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this to a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  • Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?

While optional, browning the beef adds significant depth of flavor by creating delicious caramelized edges and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

  • How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cuts of beef like chuck roast, buy mushrooms when they’re on sale, and consider using dried thyme instead of fresh to reduce overall cost without compromising flavor.

What Makes Slow Cooker Stroganoff Shine

  • Slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly simple, requiring minimal hands-on time and perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without constant monitoring.
  • The combination of browned beef, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard creates a rich, deeply satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
  • Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this beef stroganoff appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients.
  • Prepare ingredients in advance, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a stress-free meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Stroganoff Ingredients at a Glance

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef Cubes: Tender meat that forms the hearty base of the stroganoff.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy flavor enhancer for the dish.
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that serves as the perfect base for the creamy stroganoff.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders for the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the meat's natural taste.
  • Thyme: Herbaceous note that adds depth to the flavor profile.
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: Liquid and flavor components that create the rich sauce base.
  • Sour Cream: Creamy element that adds richness and tanginess to the final dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for a fresh, bright finish.

Cooking Slow Cooker Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare And Season Beef

Grab your beef and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

Make sure each cube gets a nice, even coating of seasoning for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Develop Rich Flavor

Heat a skillet to high temperature and quickly brown the beef cubes.

This technique locks in delicious caramelized notes that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients In Slow Cooker

Transfer the seasoned beef into your slow cooker.

Add:
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Step 4: Create Savory Liquid Base

Whisk together in a separate bowl:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Dried thyme

Pour this flavorful mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours until beef becomes incredibly tender.

Step 6: Add Creamy Finish

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a luxurious, silky texture.

Step 7: Prepare Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles following package instructions until al dente.

Step 8: Plate And Garnish

Spoon the rich beef stroganoff over the warm noodles.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Creamy Stroganoff

  • Brown beef in a hot skillet before slow cooking to develop rich, caramelized notes that elevate the overall taste profile.
  • Temper sour cream by adding a small amount of hot liquid before stirring into the slow cooker to maintain smooth, creamy texture.
  • Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for melt-in-your-mouth beef that becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking.
  • Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative that keeps the dish's classic flavors.
  • Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making future meals quick and convenient.

Reheating and Storing Beef Stroganoff Made Easy

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer stroganoff to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Separate noodles to maintain texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of beef broth to restore creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent sauce separation.

Good Pairings for Stroganoff

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the rich, creamy beef stroganoff, cutting through the dish's velvety texture while enhancing its deep meaty flavors.
  • Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a refreshing side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the stroganoff, providing a light, acidic contrast that cleanses the palate.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips to add nutritional depth and earthy undertones that harmonize with the stroganoff's savory profile.
  • Complement with Crusty Bread: Offer a warm, crusty sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Stroganoff Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free beef broth and omit cheese-based garnishes for a lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or plant-based beef alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and maintain the same cooking method.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized turnips. Reduce cooking liquid slightly to maintain desired consistency and ensure rich, savory flavors remain intact.
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Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Beef Stroganoff brings Russian comfort cuisine to your kitchen with tender meat and rich, silky sauce. Creamy noodles and savory beef unite in a simple slow cooker method perfect for satisfying hungry families and creating memorable meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 pound (454 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) egg noodles

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Creamy Elements:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Instructions

  1. Generously coat beef cubes with salt and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
  2. Intensify flavor by searing beef in a scorching skillet until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Transfer seared beef, sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
  4. Create a savory liquid blend by whisking beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme in a separate bowl.
  5. Pour the aromatic liquid mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Secure the lid and allow the dish to simmer on low temperature for 7-8 hours or high temperature for 4-5 hours until beef becomes tender and succulent.
  7. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, gently fold in sour cream until the sauce transforms into a creamy, uniform consistency.
  8. Simultaneously prepare egg noodles according to package directions, cooking until al dente.
  9. Plate the luscious beef stroganoff atop the freshly cooked noodles, creating an enticing presentation.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish and added freshness.

Notes

  • Enhance beef flavor by using a cast-iron skillet for browning, creating a delicious caramelized exterior that adds depth to the dish.
  • Skip sour cream for a lighter version by substituting Greek yogurt or cream cheese, maintaining creamy texture while reducing fat content.
  • Make this recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and replacing egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Elevate meal prep by preparing extra portions and freezing in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners, keeping the stroganoff fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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