Creamy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Hola, amigos! There’s something special about the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and mouthwatering aroma while you go about your day.
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff brings back memories of cozy Orlando evenings when my mama would let the crockpot do all the work while we laughed around the kitchen. Tender chunks of beef, simmered slowly in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, make this dish the ultimate comfort food.
It’s hearty, simple, and the best part-it practically cooks itself!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours |
| Total Time | 6 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Method | Slow Cooker |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort: Your slow cooker handles the magic while you relax.
- Rich and Creamy: Sour cream and mushrooms create an indulgent sauce.
- Tender Beef Every Time: Slow cooking makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Perfect Family Dinner: A cozy classic that both kids and adults adore.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for busy schedules and easy to reheat later.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is rich, creamy, and comforting, made with tender beef, mushrooms, and a velvety sauce that cooks to perfection in your crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked separately
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Place beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms into the slow cooker.
2. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 4 hours, until beef is tender.
4. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Just before serving, stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Brown beef before slow cooking for deeper flavor. Add veggies like peas or carrots during the last hour for extra nutrition. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version. Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 110
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked separately
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip Example |
| Beef | Use chuck roast for the most tender results. |
| Mushrooms | Baby bella or cremini mushrooms give deeper flavor. |
| Beef Broth | Choose low-sodium to control salt level. |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Adds richness and umami depth. |
| Dijon Mustard | Optional, but enhances the sauce’s tangy flavor. |
| Cornstarch | Mix with cold water to avoid lumps. |
| Sour Cream | Add at the end to prevent curdling. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Place beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms into your slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings: Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this slurry to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir gently and let the sauce thicken.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Just before serving, stir in sour cream until the sauce is silky and creamy.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and sauce generously over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.
Helpful Tips
- Stir occasionally during cooking if your slow cooker allows.
- Don’t add sour cream early or it may curdle.
- For richer flavor, brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use wide egg noodles to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Cut Beef Evenly: Equal-sized cubes ensure even cooking.
- Layer Ingredients: Place beef at the bottom so it stays submerged in liquid.
- Sauce Thickness: If too thick, add a splash of broth before serving.
- Creamy Perfection: Use full-fat sour cream for the smoothest sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Ground Beef Stroganoff: Use browned ground beef for a budget-friendly option.
- Chicken Stroganoff: Replace beef with chicken thighs and adjust cook time.
- Vegetarian Stroganoff: Use mushrooms, lentils, and vegetable broth.
- Gluten-Free Version: Serve with gluten-free noodles or rice.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can assemble all ingredients (except sour cream and noodles) in the slow cooker insert the night before. Store covered in the refrigerator and cook the next day. Leftovers freeze well up to 2 months-just thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove, adding sour cream right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your stroganoff over buttery egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Add a side of roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread for a complete and hearty meal.
Pairing Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with sparkling cider, red wine, or sweet tea. For sides, consider a fresh salad, honey-glazed carrots, or dinner rolls to soak up that delicious sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use stew meat or another cut?
Yes, chuck roast or stew meat both work perfectly for tender results.
2. What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream are great alternatives.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, carrots or peas can be added during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
4. How do I make it thicker?
Add another cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
5. Can I cook noodles in the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook them separately so they don’t get mushy.
6. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can skip it or replace with a small spoon of yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free sour cream and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 460 |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 15 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Author’s Note
Growing up, slow cooker meals were my family’s secret to stress-free dinners. I remember coming home to that cozy, savory aroma filling the kitchen-it meant love was waiting in a pot. This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff brings that same comfort to my table today, creamy, hearty, and made with simple ingredients that always deliver.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is everything you love about comfort food-rich, tender, and effortless. With just 15 minutes of prep and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
If you love easy, cozy meals, try my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s just as creamy, comforting, and family-approved!
