INTRODUCTION
Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef with a creamy, savory sauce that develops deep flavor as it cooks gently over time. This hands-off version allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that feels hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade meal.
SLOW-COOKER BEEF STROGANOFF – A RICH AND COMFORTING CLASSIC MADE EFFORTLESS
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting classic made with tender beef simmered slowly in a creamy mushroom sauce, then finished with sour cream for a rich and savory flavor. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season beef with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Whisk beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and flour together. Pour over beef.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender.
- Stir in sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For best flavor, brown the beef before slow cooking.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Serve with buttered noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Russian-American
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker transforms inexpensive cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth pieces, while the creamy sauce remains smooth and well balanced. It is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, and stress-free entertaining.
INGREDIENTS
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef stew meat
Well-marbled stew beef becomes exceptionally tender after slow cooking, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.
Onion
Onion adds natural sweetness and depth as it slowly softens and blends into the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic provides a warm, savory base that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms contribute earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
Beef broth
Beef broth forms the savory backbone of the sauce, adding depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Worcestershire sauce
This adds umami and subtle tang, enhancing the classic stroganoff flavor.
Dijon mustard
Dijon provides gentle acidity and sharpness, balancing the creaminess of the final sauce.
Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and mild smokiness without heat.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for proper seasoning and flavor balance.
Sour cream
Stirred in at the end, sour cream gives stroganoff its signature creamy, tangy finish.
Egg noodles
Egg noodles are the traditional base, providing a soft, comforting contrast to the rich sauce.
DIRECTIONS
Add beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low until the beef is tender. Once cooked, stir in sour cream until smooth. Serve the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles and adjust seasoning as needed.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
SERVINGS AND TIMING
This recipe serves six people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 7 to 8 hours on low.
STORAGE/REHEATING
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to maintain a smooth sauce.
VARIATIONS AND CUSTOMIZATIONS
Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff is highly adaptable. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, adding it off the heat to prevent curdling. Chicken or turkey can be substituted for beef, reducing cooking time slightly. For extra richness, stir in a small amount of cream cheese along with the sour cream. Adding thyme or parsley introduces a fresh herbal note. If you prefer a thicker sauce, a cornstarch slurry can be stirred in during the final 30 minutes of cooking. For a low-carb option, serve the stroganoff over mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles.
NUTRITION AND DIETARY INFO
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
EXPERT TIPS & CUSTOMIZATIONS
Choose well-marbled beef for the best texture. Add sour cream only at the end to avoid curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving, as slow cooking can mute salt and acidity.
FAQS
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, it can be cooked on high for about 4 to 5 hours, though low heat yields the best texture.
What cut of beef works best?
Chuck or stew meat is ideal for slow cooking.
Can I freeze beef stroganoff?
Freezing is not recommended due to the sour cream-based sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
A cornstarch slurry added near the end works well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative for similar results.
What can I serve instead of egg noodles?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash are excellent alternatives.
CONCLUSION
Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting classic made simple with the help of a slow cooker. With tender beef, a creamy sauce, and flexible serving options, it is a reliable recipe that delivers warmth and satisfaction every time.
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