Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you are craving a rich, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy beef with a luscious sauce made velvety by sour cream and enhanced by mushrooms cooked to perfection. Using a slow cooker means you get incredible depth of flavor without standing over the stove, making it perfect for busy days or cozy dinners at home. Each bite delivers a nostalgic yet elevated experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from tender beef that melts in your mouth to the creamy, tangy sauce that coats every morsel, and the garlic butter mushrooms that add a savory pop.

• Beef chuck or stewing beef, 1.75kg/3.5lb: Choosing a cut with marbling ensures tender, flavorful meat after slow cooking.
• Salt and pepper, 1.5 tsp each: Essential for seasoning to bring out the rich flavors of the beef.
• Oil, 2 tbsp: For browning the beef to create depth and texture.
• Butter, 20 g/1 tbsp unsalted: Adds richness when sautéing onions.
• Onion, 1 large: Provides sweetness and aroma that blend beautifully in the sauce.
• Garlic cloves, 4 minced: Delivers a punchy, fragrant base for the dish.
• Flour, 7 tbsp plain/all-purpose: Thickens the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
• Dijon mustard, 4 tbsp: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
• Beef stock/broth, 1 litre/1 quart reduced salt: Builds a savory, hearty foundation for the stroganoff.
• Sour cream, 1 1/2 cups full fat: The star ingredient that makes the sauce decadently creamy and slightly tangy.
• Butter for mushrooms, 3 tbsp unsalted: Essential for the garlicky mushrooms that complement the beef.
• Mushrooms, 700 g/1.2 lb sliced: Adds earthiness and texture, enhancing every bite.
• Garlic cloves for mushrooms, 3 finely minced: Infuses the mushrooms with robust flavor.
• Salt and pepper for mushrooms, 1/2 tsp each: Balances and highlights the garlicky mushroom flavors.
• Serving options: Wide egg noodles, pasta, or mashed potatoes – these soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Chives for garnish: Adds a fresh, slightly oniony note and a pop of color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef

Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches to develop a deep, caramelized crust. This step adds a richness and complexity you can’t achieve by just dumping raw meat into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the sliced onions, cooking until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing a wonderful fragrance that forms the flavor base of your stroganoff sauce.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and flour into the slow cooker. Stir in the Dijon mustard and beef stock, ensuring everything is well mixed. This blend will slowly meld into that signature thick, savory sauce as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Set your slow cooker on low and cook for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and falling apart. The slow, gentle heat allows the meat to soak up all the flavors and become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Mushrooms

While the stroganoff nears completion, melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden and caramelized. These mushrooms will add a rich, savory burst in every bite.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Once the beef is tender, stir in the full-fat sour cream carefully to create a creamy, tangy sauce. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling. Fold in the garlic butter mushrooms, then let everything warm through for a perfect, rich finish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives adds just the right touch of color and a mild oniony freshness. It contrasts beautifully against the rich sauce, brightening each mouthful.

Side Dishes

This stroganoff pairs wonderfully with wide egg noodles that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. Alternatively, mashed potatoes make the dish even cozier, and pasta is a classic that never disappoints. Choose whatever feels right for your family dinner style.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stroganoff inside creamy polenta bowls or alongside roasted root vegetables to add extra texture and earthiness. Another idea is to add fresh green beans or peas on the side for a pop of crispness and color that balances the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will marry even more beautifully overnight, making for delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion out the stroganoff into freezer-safe containers, ensuring it is cooled completely before freezing. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Just avoid freezing with noodles or potatoes, which can get mushy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling once reheated to keep the sauce silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs. These cuts also become deliciously tender and rich when cooked low and slow.

Do I have to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning the beef is highly recommended because it creates caramelized flavors that make your stroganoff taste deeper and more complex. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step but expect a slightly less rich sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. For the butter, use a plant-based margarine. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly but will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

Regular yellow mustard can be used in a pinch, but Dijon adds a slightly sharper, more sophisticated tang that complements the beef perfectly. If you have whole grain mustard, that works beautifully too.

Can I prepare everything the night before?

Yes! You can brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic the night before, then combine everything in the slow cooker the next day. This makes your cooking process even easier and faster when you’re ready to start slow cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe that makes it a go-to for chilly evenings or whenever you want a satisfying, hearty meal with minimal fuss. With its tender beef, creamy sauce, and garlicky mushrooms, it really ticks all the boxes. I can’t recommend enough that you give this recipe a try – it’s the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion anytime you enjoy it.

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