So You’re Craving Something Tasty but Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same.
Alright friend, it’s time to talk about one of the most magical inventions known to humankind: the crockpot. You throw stuff in, you forget about it, and a few hours later, you’re feasting like a king. Today we’re diving headfirst into a delightful dish that screams comfort food and lets you embrace your inner couch potato. Let’s whip up a Dump and Go Crockpot Beef Stroganoff! Yes, you heard that right. It’s as easy as it sounds and tastes like it took you hours. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Listen, I know what you’re thinking. Beef stroganoff sounds fancy and maybe even a bit scary, but let me reassure you. This recipe is idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. All it takes is tossing some ingredients into a pot and letting it work its magic. You don’t even need to be Gordon Ramsay to pull this off. You could probably do this blindfolded—though I wouldn’t recommend it.
Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you want to impress that special someone with minimal effort. Seriously, just don’t tell them how easy it was; let them think you’re a culinary genius. Trust me, we wouldn’t want to shatter any illusions here.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your grocery list for this cooking adventure. Grab these bad boys, and you’ll be on your way to stroganoff bliss in no time.
- 1 lb beef stew meat (because who doesn’t love some tender beef)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (that magical can that makes everything better)
- 1 onion, sliced (gotta add that flavor)
- 2 cups beef broth (liquid gold alert)
- 1 cup sour cream (the creamy goodness that ties it all together)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (for when you want to ward off vampires and crank up the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (the essential flavor boost)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (a little kick never hurt anybody)
- 8 oz egg noodles (the bed for your delicious concoction)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (impress your friends with this green touch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive in? Grab your crockpot, and let’s make some magic happen.
Place the beef stew meat, cream of mushroom soup, sliced onion, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the crockpot. Stir to combine like your life depends on it.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This is the part where you need to be patient. Seriously, it’s worth the wait.
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Feel free to grab a snack while you wait—because what’s a wait without snacks?
Mix the sour cream into the crockpot. Watch as it transforms from a hot mess into a creamy dream.
Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley. Voilà! You’re now a culinary rockstar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As someone who has definitely burned water in the past, I come bearing wisdom. Here are a few rookie mistakes to sidestep:
- Ignoring the directions: This isn’t an episode of a cooking competition. Trust the process and follow the steps.
- Thinking you don’t need to preheat the oven: Oops, wait. Oh wait, you’re using a crockpot. Preheating doesn’t apply here. Phew, crisis averted.
- Using expired ingredients: Please, check your pantry. You don’t want to be surprised by a can of mushrooms that’s older than your last relationship.
- Skipping the garlic powder: You’ll regret that decision. Don’t be that person.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, life happens, and sometimes you can’t find the exact ingredients. No worries; I got your back. Here are some substitutions that still keep the essence of this dish intact:
- Stew Meat Substitution: Can’t find stew meat? Use ground beef or even chicken. Who knew stroganoff could be such a chameleon?
- Cream of Mushroom: If fungus isn’t your jam, try cream of chicken soup. It’ll still give you that creamy goodness without the mushroom vibes.
- Beef Broth: Swap it out for chicken or vegetable broth if you’re in a pinch. It’s like a culinary free-for-all.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can work too, though it might make you feel a tad too healthy for this comfort dish.
- Egg Noodles: Don’t have any? Use rice, or even mashed potatoes. We don’t discriminate against carbs here.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Let’s answer some burning questions. You likely have them, and I’m here to save the day (and your dinner).
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is the choice of champions.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
Wait, what? No crockpot? You can pop this in a pot on the stove, but keep a close eye on it. It will need more TLC.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just find a bigger crockpot or cook it in batches. You’ll be the hero with leftovers, and we all love leftovers.
What if I don’t like onions?
You can leave them out, but just know you’re missing out on some serious flavor. But hey, it’s your dish, live your life!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! Just replace the beef with mushrooms and add some hearty veggies. It’s a whole new world, and you should embrace it.
Are egg noodles necessary?
Not at all. You could go rogue and serve it over rice or enjoy it as is. No judgment here.
How do I store leftovers?
Put them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll last a few days—assuming you have any leftovers because it’s that good.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve unlocked the secrets of the crockpot kingdom and have officially earned the title of Master of Beef Stroganoff. This dish is packed with flavor, super easy to make, and will have your taste buds dancing like no one’s watching. So, roll up those sleeves, grab that crockpot, and let’s make some delectable magic. Happy cooking, my friend! You’ve got this!
Print
Dump and Go Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and delicious beef stroganoff made in a crockpot, perfect for comforting meals without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the beef stew meat, cream of mushroom soup, sliced onion, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Mix the sour cream into the crockpot.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Feel free to customize ingredients based on what’s available. Enjoy it over noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes!