Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the comforting, creamy flavors of this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe! Imagine tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, smothered in a rich, tangy sauce with just the right touch of savory spices and velvety dairy. All the magic happens in your slow cooker, so you can go about your day and return home to a dinner that smells like a warm hug. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly meal or a cozy dish to impress friends, this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe makes classic comfort food a total breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with a handful of humble, everyday ingredients that work in perfect harmony to deliver big flavor and irresistible texture. Each one brings something special, so don’t skip a thing!
- Beef stew meat: Go for well-marbled chunks; they’ll become wonderfully tender and juicy during the slow cook.
- Onion: The finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth, melting into the sauce for a rich background flavor.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring that unmistakable savory aroma and a gentle bite.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon adds a punch of umami and rounds out the beefy flavors beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the other ingredients.
- Black pepper: A dash of pepper gives the dish a gentle warmth without overpowering the creamy sauce.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of color to the finished stroganoff.
- Dijon mustard: Just a spoonful brightens up the sauce and gives it a little zing.
- Beef broth: Two cups provide the foundation for the sauce, infusing every bite with savory richness.
- Cornstarch: Whisked with water, it helps thicken the sauce to that classic, luscious stroganoff consistency.
- Cold water: Necessary for making the cornstarch slurry, so you get a smooth, silky sauce every time.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, making the sauce dreamy and decadent.
- Cream cheese: Softened and cubed, it melts into the sauce for extra richness and a velvety texture.
- Egg noodles: The traditional base for stroganoff, perfect for soaking up all that lovely sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a pop of color to your plate.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Start by adding your beef stew meat, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic straight into the bowl of your slow cooker. This trio sets the stage for flavor and ensures the beef absorbs all the savory goodness as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Season and Pour
Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, Dijon mustard, and pour in the beef broth. Give everything a good stir, making sure the seasonings and liquids are evenly distributed so the beef is well-coated and ready to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 7 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. This is where the magic happens! The beef becomes irresistibly tender, the onion and garlic melt into the sauce, and your kitchen fills with an aroma that promises pure comfort food.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well. Turn your slow cooker to high and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens up nicely.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Now for the signature creaminess: Add in the sour cream and cubed cream cheese. Stir until everything is fully melted and combined, transforming the sauce into the luscious, velvety stroganoff you know and love. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Spoon the hot, creamy beef mixture over a bed of cooked egg noodles, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a mild herbal freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, try a few twists of cracked black pepper or even a dusting of paprika for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with buttery green beans, a crisp salad, or steamed broccoli. For something extra cozy, serve it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, roasted or mashed cauliflower is a fantastic low-carb companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe into party fare by serving it in small bowls or on toasted baguette slices as an appetizer. Or, for a fun twist, ladle the stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes or even rice if you want to switch things up. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the next-day stroganoff even more irresistible. Just be sure to store the sauce and noodles separately if possible, so the noodles don’t absorb too much liquid and turn mushy.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the beef stroganoff (minus the noodles) for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add fresh cooked noodles just before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stroganoff in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. For single servings, the microwave works just fine—just use a lower power setting and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes, or even sirloin for a leaner option. Just make sure the beef cooks long enough to become tender.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries—you can substitute with extra sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt. The sauce might be slightly less rich, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Can this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles or serve the stroganoff over rice or mashed potatoes. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, too.
How can I make it lighter?
Swap in light sour cream or Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cream cheese, and serve over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower mash for a lighter, lower-carb meal.
Can I add mushrooms?
Definitely! Sliced cremini or white mushrooms are a classic addition—just toss them into the slow cooker with the beef at the beginning, and they’ll add extra flavor and heartiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is comforting, you simply have to try this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It brings all the classic flavors you love together with minimal effort, making it perfect for any night of the week. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready for a hearty, creamy dinner everyone will rave about!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe offers tender chunks of beef simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sour cream and cream cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker and served over egg noodles for a classic American favorite that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups beef broth
Thickening and Creamy Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
To Serve
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the beef stew meat, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, Dijon mustard, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, then cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Creamy Elements: Stir in the sour cream and cream cheese until they are fully melted and combined, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream for a lighter option.
- To make a lower-carb version, serve the stroganoff over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of egg noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
