Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food: tender beef, a creamy mushroom sauce, and hearty egg noodles all come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This slow cooker recipe takes all the guesswork out of creating a rich and flavorful stroganoff while ensuring the meat is fall-apart tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The Crock Pot makes this recipe incredibly simple, requiring only minimal prep work.
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking process ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: A perfectly balanced sauce of sour cream, beef broth, and mushrooms delivers classic stroganoff flavor.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to for family meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the Beef: If not using pre-cut stew meat, cut the chuck roast into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion and slice the mushrooms for easy preparation.
Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional)
- Heat a Skillet: Add a tablespoon of oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Meat: Sear the beef in batches, ensuring each piece has a golden-brown crust. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the seared beef (if browned), onions, garlic, and mushrooms into the Crock Pot.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to Combine: Mix everything gently to distribute the seasonings.
Step 4: Cook the Stroganoff
- Set the Crock Pot:
- Low: Cook for 7-8 hours.
- High: Cook for 4-5 hours.
- Check for Doneness: The beef should be fork-tender, and the flavors should be well combined.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Make a Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth.
- Add to the Crock Pot: Pour the slurry into the Crock Pot and stir well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Add the Creamy Finish
- Stir in Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Gently mix them into the Crock Pot to create a rich and velvety sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
- Boil Egg Noodles: Cook according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little butter to prevent sticking.
- Alternative Base: Prepare mashed potatoes, rice, or zucchini noodles if desired.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Stroganoff: Serve the creamy beef stroganoff over the cooked noodles.
- Add Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Chuck roast or stew meat works best for slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become tough.
- Searing for Extra Flavor: While optional, browning the beef adds depth to the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Slurry: This ensures the sauce thickens properly for a luscious texture.
- Add Cream at the End: Incorporating sour cream and heavy cream at the end prevents curdling.
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the slurry, and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Add Veggies: Include carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Drinks: A glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the rich flavors.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a timeless classic that’s both comforting and easy to make. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food: tender beef, a creamy mushroom sauce, and hearty egg noodles all come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This slow cooker recipe takes all the guesswork out of creating a rich and flavorful stroganoff while ensuring the meat is fall-apart tender.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Stroganoff
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into chunks)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Season the beef chunks with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Lightly brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat (optional but adds flavor).
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Add the beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the Crock Pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the beef mixture.
3. Slow Cook
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the Crock Pot.
- Let it cook for an additional 20–30 minutes on high to thicken.
5. Add the Sour Cream
- Stir in the sour cream just before serving to create a creamy sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese, if desired.