Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Let’s face it, some days we just want to kick back and let the good ol’ slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Enter: Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff. It’s simple, comforting, and frankly, the perfect excuse to wear those sweatpants for the entire day while pretending to be a culinary genius.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This recipe is awesome for several reasons. First off, it’s one of those "put it and forget it" meals, which means you can binge-watch your favorite show or, I don’t know, just stare blankly at a wall for hours. Plus, it’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. The flavor is rich and creamy, but you didn’t have to do much besides throw some things into a pot. Seriously, even your cat could probably whip this up if you just left the ingredients out. Not that we recommend that.
Let’s talk about those other reasons. You know what’s great about beef stroganoff? It makes you feel fancy. You could serve this to guests and watch their faces light up while you sip your wine and look all sophisticated. But it’s also comforting enough that you could have it for breakfast. I mean, who doesn’t want beef and noodles to start the day?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our supplies, shall we? Here’s what you need for this divine dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (the star of our show)
- 1 onion, chopped (makes your house smell like heaven)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (the more the merrier, right?)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (smooth, creamy goodness)
- 1 cup beef broth (because we like our dishes flavorful)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (try saying that five times fast)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, my friend)
- 8 ounces egg noodles (the perfect noodle shape—fight me on this)
- 1 cup sour cream (for that creamy finish)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (because we eat with our eyes first)
Got it all? Perfect. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff. Stick with me, and you’ll be a stroganoff superstar in no time.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Pro tip: don’t burn yourself. We know how intense life can get when cooking.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened. Your kitchen will start to smell totally amazing at this point.
In a slow cooker, combine the ground beef mixture, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Just imagine all those flavors hitting a home run together.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This is where you can completely forget about it for a bit. Maybe treat yourself to a nap or scroll through your social media.
About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Don’t skip this part; you need something to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Once the Stroganoff is done, stir in sour cream until well blended. This is the "wow" moment, so savor it.
Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley. Nothing says "I’m a gourmet chef" like some fresh greens on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thinking you don’t need to cook the ground beef first? Rookie mistake. You want that beautiful browned flavor, not a sad lump of bland meat.
Another one? Assuming salt and pepper are optional. Spoiler alert: they are not. Your taste buds will thank you for seasoning like you mean it.
And please, please, don’t burn the garlic. If you do, you’ll know you overcooked it. That burnt taste is a one-way ticket to flavor disaster town.
Finally, if you forget to buy egg noodles, you’ll be stuck asking, "Wait, what do I serve this over?" No one wants to get creative with their starches on a busy night. Just get the noodles, alright?
Alternatives & Substitutions
Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes life throws unexpected curveballs, like finding out you’re out of Worcestershire sauce. If you’re in a pinch, use soy sauce or even some balsamic vinegar as a substitute. Just don’t tell anyone I said that.
If you’re not a beef fan, you can totally swap in ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will be slightly different, but it’ll still be a hit. Or, for my vegetarian pals, try using some roasted veggies or a meat substitute to get that same heartiness.
Feeling fancy? Replace the egg noodles with some cheeky little pappardelle or even zucchini noodles for a lighter spin. Your diet will thank you.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Totally! Just make it, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When you want it, reheat it and serve over fresh noodles. Easy peasy.
What if I don’t like mushrooms?
Well, technically you could leave them out. But I’d say add something else in its place. Maybe some bell peppers or even broccoli. Let’s keep those veggies involved.
How can I make it spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You do you. Just don’t blame me if it takes your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Just stick with butter if you can. Life’s too short for subpar spreads.
How do I store leftovers?
Scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll last for about three days, but I would bet money you’ll finish it before then.
Is sour cream necessary?
Not really, but it’s the secret weapon that makes your stroganoff creamy and dreamy. You can try Greek yogurt as a substitute if you’re feeling trendy.
Can I freeze this dish?
Heck yes! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it any time the craving strikes. Just be prepared for some delicious "what was I thinking" moments when you remember there are leftovers waiting for you.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be stressful. With this Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff, you can be a kitchen superstar without losing your mind. So go ahead, throw on those cozy socks, pop open your favorite drink, and let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and comforting beef stroganoff made in the slow cooker, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- In a slow cooker, combine the ground beef mixture, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Once the Stroganoff is done, stir in sour cream until well blended.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar if needed. For a vegetarian version, try roasted vegetables or a meat substitute.