Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Easy Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This recipe for slow cooker beef stroganoff is a game-changer for busy nights, turning simple ingredients into a hearty dish that warms the soul. It’s easy to put together with just a bit of prep, letting your slow cooker do most of the work for tender results that make dinner feel special. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, it’s a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy.

The dish offers health benefits with lean beef cuts that provide plenty of protein without too much fat, especially when you opt for lighter options like Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Slow cooker meals like this one keep nutrients intact while blending flavors beautifully over time. It’s also adaptable, so you can tweak it for different diets, making it a go-to favorite for home cooks everywhere.

One of the best parts about slow cooker beef stroganoff is its versatility; you can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your preferences. The rich, savory taste from mushrooms and onions creates a creamy sauce that’s hard to resist. This easy slow cooker beef stroganoff stands out as a comforting food option that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Key Benefits of This Comfort Food

Ease of preparation stands out here, as this slow cooker beef stroganoff recipe needs minimal hands-on time. Just toss everything in and let it simmer to perfection, saving you effort on busy days. Plus, the health advantages come from using wholesome ingredients that deliver a protein-packed meal with fewer calories than traditional versions.

Imagine coming home to a house filled with delicious aromas after a long day that’s the magic of slow cooker meals. This dish not only satisfies cravings but also lets you customize it for dietary needs, like going gluten-free or vegan. It’s no wonder it has become a staple for busy parents and food enthusiasts alike.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious slow cooker beef stroganoff. This section breaks down everything you need, based on a tried-and-true recipe that ensures flavorful results. Let’s look at the full list to get started on your cooking adventure.

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 to 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, divided
• ½ cup white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth as an alternative
• 16 ounces sliced button mushrooms (about 450 grams)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (or 1 beef bouillon cube)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water (for thickening)
• 1 ½ cups sour cream (not reduced fat)
• 10.5-ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup (optional, for extra thickness and flavor)
• 1 pound wide homestyle egg noodles (for serving)

These ingredients come together to create a hearty, creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff that’s perfect for family meals. For those wondering how to adjust for special diets, you can use vegan sour cream for a plant-based twist or cornstarch as a gluten-free thickener.

How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect slow cooker beef stroganoff starts with simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to cooking. Begin by preparing your beef: cut 2 ½ pounds of stew meat into 1-inch cubes, pat them dry, and trim any large fat pieces. Then, season the meat with 1 teaspoon garlic salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper before coating it with ¼ cup flour for a nice sear.

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef cubes in batches for about 45 seconds per side until they’re browned but not fully cooked. Add more oil as needed and set the beef aside once done. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of cold butter, add ½ cup white wine or chicken broth, and deglaze the pan by scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.

Now, add the diced yellow onion and sliced button mushrooms to the skillet; cook for 4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the seared beef and any juices. Combine 4 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon beef bouillon, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard in the slow cooker. Check out our creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe for a similar twist on beef dishes.

Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 9 hours until the beef is tender. About 30 minutes before serving, mix ¼ cup cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water to make a slurry and stir it in, then set to warm. Whisk 1 ½ cups sour cream with 1 cup of the slow cooker liquid until smooth and gently stir it back in. If you want extra thickness, add the 10.5-ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup. Finally, turn off the heat and swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter for a velvety finish, then serve over 1 pound cooked wide homestyle egg noodles.

Tips for Smooth Preparation

For even better results, choose tougher cuts like chuck or rump for that optimal tenderness in your slow cooker beef stroganoff. Searing the meat adds great flavor, but be gentle to keep it juicy. If you’re in a rush, you can skip searing and add the floured meat straight to the slow cooker with the onions and garlic, just remember to handle the white wine separately if needed.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Making slow cooker beef stroganoff your own is simple with a few smart swaps, allowing it to fit various lifestyles without losing its comforting appeal. For protein alternatives, you could replace beef with chicken or even tofu for a lighter, vegetarian version that still packs flavor. Vegetables like zucchini can stand in for mushrooms if you’re looking to change things up based on what’s in season.

• Substitute beef with chicken breast or thighs for a leaner option.
• Use mushrooms or tofu for vegetarian and vegan adaptations.
• Swap sour cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free sauce.
• Opt for gluten-free thickeners like cornstarch instead of flour.

These changes keep the dish versatile and delicious, whether you’re cooking for diet-conscious individuals or food enthusiasts exploring new flavors. Remember, adjusting seasonings with herbs or spices can add your personal touch while maintaining that signature creamy profile.

Mastering Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of slow cooker beef stroganoff, try some advanced techniques to elevate your dish. Start by browning the beef strips in the skillet to lock in juices and deepen the flavor, then deglaze with beef broth or wine to capture all those tasty bits. This extra step makes a big difference in the final taste and texture.

Experiment with flavor variations by adding fresh herbs like thyme or a dash of mustard for a spicy kick. For presentation, garnish with parsley or chives and serve over options like cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge for easy assembly later.

• Brown beef before adding to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
• Add herbs or mustard to create unique taste profiles.
• Prepare in advance for convenient weeknight meals.

These tips turn your slow cooker beef stroganoff into something special for any occasion, from casual dinners to family gatherings.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your slow cooker beef stroganoff fresh and tasty for later, making it easy to enjoy leftovers without worry. After cooling, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags, labeling them with the date, and keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating, warm gently on the stove to preserve the creamy texture, stirring as you go. If you’re meal prepping, divide into individual containers for quick meals on the run. Freezing the sauce separately and using fresh noodles helps maintain quality when you reheat.

Following these practices ensures your slow cooker beef stroganoff remains a reliable, delicious option for busy days.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: High Protein

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Description

🍲 Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, perfect for easy weeknight meals with minimal effort.
⏳ This recipe uses slow cooking to tenderize beef and infuse rich, savory flavors for a hearty and satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

– 2 ½ pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

– 1 teaspoon garlic salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– ¼ cup flour

– 3 to 6 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 tablespoons cold butter, divided

– ½ cup white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth as an alternative

– 16 ounces sliced button mushrooms (about 450 grams)

– 1 small yellow onion, diced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 4 cups beef broth

– 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (or 1 beef bouillon cube)

– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

– ¼ cup cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water for thickening

– 1 ½ cups sour cream (not reduced fat)

– 10.5-ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup optional for extra thickness and flavor

– 1 pound wide homestyle egg noodles for serving

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Instructions

1-Preparing the beef: cut 2 ½ pounds of stew meat into 1-inch cubes, pat them dry, and trim any large fat pieces. Then, season the meat with 1 teaspoon garlic salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper before coating it with ¼ cup flour for a nice sear.

2-Searing the beef: heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef cubes in batches for about 45 seconds per side until they’re browned but not fully cooked. Add more oil as needed and set the beef aside once done.

3-Deglazing the skillet: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of cold butter, add ½ cup white wine or chicken broth, and deglaze the pan by scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.

4-Cooking the vegetables: add the diced yellow onion and sliced button mushrooms to the skillet; cook for 4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the seared beef and any juices. Combine 4 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon beef bouillon, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard in the slow cooker.

5-Cooking in the slow cooker: Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 9 hours until the beef is tender.

6-Finishing the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix ¼ cup cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water to make a slurry and stir it in, then set to warm. Whisk 1 ½ cups sour cream with 1 cup of the slow cooker liquid until smooth and gently stir it back in. If you want extra thickness, add the 10.5-ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup.

7-Serving: Finally, turn off the heat and swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter for a velvety finish, then serve over 1 pound cooked wide homestyle egg noodles.

Notes

🥩 Choose tougher beef cuts like chuck, rump, or bottom round for best tenderness.
🔥 Searing meat adds flavor and texture but avoid pressing it to retain juiciness.
⏲️ For quicker prep, skip searing and add floured meat directly to the slow cooker; omit white wine or cook it separately with butter and aromatics.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 to 9 hours
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup stroganoff with noodles
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1304 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, Easy Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Recipes, Beef Stroganoff