There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, isn’t there? It’s like a hug in a dish! Perfect for those busy days when you just want to come home to a meal that’s already made, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it; I was juggling work and family, and the thought of creating a hearty dinner felt overwhelming. But with my trusty slow cooker, I tossed in the ingredients and let it do the magic. When I walked in after a long day, the smell of tender beef and creamy sauce waiting for me was pure bliss! It’s ideal for family gatherings too—everyone gathers around the table, and there’s always enough to go around. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth, low-sodium for better flavor control
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons paprika, for that smoky depth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream, for that creamy finish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, for thickening the sauce
- 2 tablespoons water, to mix with cornstarch
- Egg noodles, cooked, for serving
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First things first, let’s get everything ready! Start by cutting the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. I love to use a sharp knife for this; it just makes the whole process so much easier! Next, chop the onion finely—don’t worry if you shed a tear or two; it happens to the best of us! Then, mince the garlic cloves. Oh, that aroma! Finally, slice up those mushrooms; I usually go for a nice thick slice to give a meaty texture. You’re going to love how these ingredients meld together in the slow cooker!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Now it’s time for the fun part—layering everything in the slow cooker! Start by placing the beef cubes at the bottom; they need to soak up all those flavors. Then, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Pour the beef broth over everything, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with those seasonings; they add so much depth! Give it a gentle stir to mix it all up a bit, but don’t worry about getting too crazy; it’ll all blend together beautifully as it cooks!
Step 3: Cooking Time and Temperature
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Now, here’s the magic: let it cook for about 7 to 8 hours. This low and slow method makes the beef so tender, it practically melts in your mouth. Just think of all the delicious aromas wafting through your home! Once the cooking time is up, I usually let it rest for about 10 minutes before moving to the next step. This little pause helps the flavors settle even more.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To thicken that luscious sauce, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Then, stir this mixture back into the slow cooker. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy consistency we all love! Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low; you’ll notice the sauce becoming rich and velvety—so good!
Step 5: Final Touches
Just before serving, stir in that heavenly sour cream. This is what gives the stroganoff its signature creaminess! You can serve it over cooked egg noodles for that classic touch. Feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley or even a dash of paprika on top for a pop of color. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for my Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 450 calories, with 25 grams of fat (10 grams of which are saturated). You’ll also get around 25 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbohydrates, along with 3 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. This dish is a comforting indulgence, so it’s great to know what you’re enjoying! Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal—just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax!
- The rich, creamy sauce envelops the tender beef, creating a flavor explosion that warms your soul.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings—everyone will rave about it!
- Simple ingredients come together for a comforting dish that feels gourmet.
- You’ll have plenty of leftovers, making it great for meal prep or lunch the next day.
- Customize it easily by adding your favorite veggies or substituting chicken for a lighter version.
- It pairs beautifully with egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. I always recommend starting with less salt and pepper, then adding more as needed throughout the cooking process. Also, feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or bay leaves for a unique twist!
When it comes to storage, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll last about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze it, just make sure to leave out the sour cream until you reheat it. This way, you’ll maintain that creamy texture! Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring in the sour cream just before serving. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your stroganoff game!
Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to give your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff a fun twist! For a lighter option, try swapping the beef for chicken; just cook it until it’s tender and juicy. You can also add in different vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. If you’re a mushroom lover, I recommend mixing in a variety of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for a richer flavor. For a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff experience, I love to pair it with some vibrant sides! Steamed green beans or sautéed asparagus add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your plate. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is also a perfect complement; it adds freshness and balances the richness of the stroganoff. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, buttery garlic bread or fluffy mashed potatoes will soak up that creamy sauce beautifully. Trust me, these sides will make your meal feel even more special!
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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave It
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty slow cooker beef stroganoff with tender beef and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Egg noodles for serving
Instructions
- Place beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir into slow cooker.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream before serving.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Can substitute beef with chicken.
- Serve with green vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, Beef Stroganoff Recipe, Comfort Food