This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish that’s super simple to make. Just toss your beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce into the slow cooker and let it do all the work!
I love serving this tender beef over noodles, and the best part? The smell fills the house and gets everyone excited for dinner. Who can resist a meal like that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: A classic choice for stroganoff, I love using chuck roast for its great flavor. You could also use sirloin or any cut suitable for slow cooking.
Mushrooms: Fresh sliced mushrooms are ideal. If you’re short on time, canned mushrooms work too. In a pinch, you could leave them out entirely, but they add a lot of flavor.
Sour Cream: This provides creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute. It has a similar tangy flavor and texture.
Egg Noodles: Traditionally used in stroganoff, egg noodles are wonderful. However, you can swap them for any pasta you love, like fettuccine or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option!
How Do I Make My Beef Tender in the Crock Pot?
Getting tender beef in your stroganoff requires a couple of tricks. First, use the low and slow cooking method. Cooking for a longer time allows the meat to break down and become tender. Here’s how:
- After preparing your beef and veggies, cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Avoid opening the lid during cooking—this helps retain heat and moisture.
Letting the beef stew relax after cooking a bit before serving can help keep it juicy as well. Enjoy the delicious flavor!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
For Serving:
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious beef stroganoff takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. Don’t forget about the extra 20-30 minutes for thickening the sauce at the end. Perfect for a hands-off dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by placing the beef stew meat in the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms evenly on top. This layer of veggies gives great flavor to the meat!
2. Mix in the Sauce Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Once mixed, pour this delicious mixture all over the beef and veggies in the crock pot. It will create a lovely base for the stew!
3. Time to Cook:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. If you have the time, cooking on low for 7-8 hours will make the beef super tender. If you’re in a rush, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead. Either way, you’ll end up with a tasty meal!
4. Make the Roux:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. This is going to help thicken your sauce later!
5. Combine with Sour Cream:
In a bowl, mix the sour cream into the roux until everything is combined and smooth. This is what will give your stroganoff that creamy, rich flavor!
6. Finish the Stroganoff:
Gently stir the sour cream mixture into the crock pot with the beef. Cover and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes. This will allow it to thicken up just right. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once ready, serve the beef stroganoff hot over your cooked egg noodles. Sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Dig in and savor every bite of your creamy, slow-cooked masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for This Stroganoff?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional, you can substitute it with sirloin, ground beef, or even chicken for a lighter version. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different meats may cook at varying rates.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep everything ahead of time by chopping the veggies and cutting the meat. Store the ingredients in the fridge and combine them in the crock pot in the morning. It’s a perfect solution for busy days!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, adding a little broth or water can bring it back to the desired consistency.
Can I Use Low-Fat Options for the Ingredients?
Yes! You can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium beef broth if you’re watching your fat intake. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
