So You’re Craving Something Tasty but Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same.
Let me guess, your stomach is growling louder than your neighbor’s dog during a thunderstorm, and you’re thinking about what quick delight you can whip up without breaking a sweat. Say hello to the magical world of Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff. Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a chilly night. It’s comfort food at its finest, and if you have a Crock Pot, you can throw in a bunch of ingredients and let it work its slow-cooking magic while you kick back with some Netflix. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Now, you might be asking yourself why you should even bother with this recipe. Let me tell you, this isn’t just any old beef stroganoff. This one is idiot-proof—yes, even I didn’t mess it up, which is saying something since I’m known for slight kitchen disasters. Imagine tender chunks of beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce that’ll have you singing like you’re on a Broadway stage (well, in your head at least).
The best part? You’ll dirty just one pot—your Crock Pot—so clean-up is so easy you might just admire your sparkling sink for a moment. And it’s a great way to impress everyone with your culinary expertise without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, you’ll be wondering why you’ve been waiting so long to make this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’re going to need for this fantastic and easy recipe. No weird ingredients you can’t pronounce here, just straightforward goodness:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into chunks—because who needs more than one type of meat, right?)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (don’t worry, no tears required)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the merrier)
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (mushrooms make everything better)
- 2 cups beef broth (the soul of this dish)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (because it sounds fancy)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (adds a little zing)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (makes it look pretty)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste, depends on how salty your personality is)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (bring on the spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (thickens things up like a charm)
- 1 tablespoon water (just for the cornstarch—don’t drink it)
- 1 cup sour cream (creamy magic)
- 12 ounces egg noodles (because no stroganoff is complete without them)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (makes you look like a pro)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (because cheese is life)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve got the ingredients out of the way, let’s break down the process. Follow these steps, and you’ll be the culinary star of your kitchen in no time.
Season the beef chunks with salt, pepper, and paprika. Just sprinkle and toss it like confetti. Fun, right?
Lightly brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step is optional, but trust me on this one—it adds that extra layer of flavor that will make you feel like a gourmet chef.
Add the beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the Crock Pot. Stir it up like you’re trying to impress someone.
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour this glorious mixture over the beef goodness in the Crock Pot.
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Just go do something fun in the meantime—a Netflix binge marathon, perhaps.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. It sounds fancy, but it’s just a small bowl of goodness. Stir it into the Crock Pot.
Let it cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes on high to thicken it up like a good story.
Stir in the sour cream just before serving to create that creamy sauce that will have you swooning.
Spoon the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. This is where the magic happens.
Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese, if you’re feeling particularly fancy.
Now sit back and admire your masterpiece like a true chef. I mean, look at you go!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alright, let’s have a quick chit chat about things you definitely want to avoid because we don’t want you to ruin this incredible dish. Here are some classics:
Skipping the browning step and thinking you can just toss everything in the Crock Pot. Rookie mistake. Browning adds flavor, folks.
Not seasoning your beef enough. If you don’t want a bland dish, seasons please.
Ignoring the cook times and trying to speed things up. Good things take time my friend. Patience is crucial here.
Using low-grade ingredients. Cheap beef will lead to a lesser meal—you get what you pay for!
Forgetting to stir in the sour cream at the end. I mean, come on, that creamy goodness is the star of the show!
Alternatives & Substitutions
Maybe you have some dietary restrictions or just don’t have everything on hand. No worries! Here are some substitutions for your situation:
Beef stew meat can be swapped out with chicken for a lighter option. Chicken stroganoff anyone?
If you are feeling adventurous, how about using tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version? Double mushroom is fantastic!
Don’t have beef broth? Chicken broth works just fine or even veggie broth if you want to keep it meat-free.
Dijon mustard can be substituted with yellow mustard, though I must say, the zing is just too fabulous to miss out on.
Sour cream? Feel free to use Greek yogurt instead—just be aware that it won’t be quite as creamy but still delicious.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is where the magic happens.
What if I don’t have a Crock Pot? Girl, have you heard of stovetop cooking? Just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer until the beef is tender.
Can I freeze leftover stroganoff? Absolutely! Just make sure to freeze the sauce separately so it doesn’t get mushy.
Is there a way to make this dish less fattening? Sure! Use lean beef, low-fat sour cream, and skip the noodles entirely for a low-carb version.
How can I add some veggies? Toss in some carrots, peas, or even spinach before the final hour. Get those nutrients in, am I right?
Will my kids eat this? Odds are they will love it. Who can say no to creamy beef over noodles?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it folks. You just completed a hearty meal of Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff that will make you feel like a superstar even if your cooking skills are at a solid beginner level. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it. Grab that bowl, take a picture for social media (everyone needs to see your genius), and dig in. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen adventures be ever delicious.
Print
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting and effortless Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff that combines tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, perfect for a quick hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Season the beef chunks with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Lightly brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat (optional).
- Add the beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the Crock Pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard; pour over the beef in the Crock Pot.
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry and stir into the Crock Pot.
- Cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes on high.
- Stir in sour cream just before serving.
- Spoon the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish can be adapted for different dietary needs with various substitutions for meat and broth.