Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of slaving over a hot stove is about as appealing as watching paint dry. Enter the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. It’s warm, comforting, and practically makes itself. You might even have time to binge-watch your favorite show while it cooks. Now that’s what I call a win-win.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Alright, let me tell you why this recipe is the bee’s knees. First off, it’s idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess it up, and that says a lot. You just chop, toss, and forget about it for hours. No standing over the stove frying things, losing track of time, and burning something beyond recognition.
Also, have I mentioned how incredibly comforting this dish is? It’s like getting a big ol’ bear hug from your grandma, in food form. The beef is tender and delicious, while the rich, creamy sauce takes it to stratospheric levels of yum. Plus, you get to enjoy it over egg noodles or rice, which is like adding a comfy sweater to a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the grocery list you need, and it’s totally straightforward. No wild ingredients that require a trip to some exotic market or spending hours Googling what the heck they are. Check it out:
- 2 pounds Beef chuck roast (Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for a burst of flavor)
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (Sliced, they bring an earthy taste to the dish)
- 2 cups Beef broth (This forms the base of your sauce, adding richness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (A must-have for that umami kick)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Adds a subtle tanginess)
- To taste Salt and pepper (To enhance all the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme (For a hint of herbal aroma)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (This gives a lovely color and mild spice)
- 1 cup Sour cream (The secret to that creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (Helps thicken the sauce)
- To taste Fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish and a pop of color)
- As needed Egg noodles or rice (For serving, choose your favorite)
There you go, your ticket to Beef Stroganoff bliss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cookin’? Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to deliciousness in no time:
Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. This way, they cook evenly. Don’t worry about getting them perfect; you’re not trying out for a cooking show, just chop it up.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear those beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. You want them nice and golden, not just the sad raw color they started in.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. This will make your kitchen smell amazing, I promise.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. You want them friendly with those onions and garlic, having a little party of flavor.
Place the browned beef cubes into the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine and show those ingredients some love.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and glorious. Go do something fun in the meantime.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the sour cream with flour in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and let it all cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
Serve the Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles or rice and garnish with fresh parsley. Voilà! A masterpiece worthy of a cozy night in or impressing your friends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s be real everyone makes mistakes, but some are super easy to avoid. Here are some classic blunders you don’t want to commit:
- Skipping the browning step for the beef: This isn’t a democracy; browning gives it flavor. Just do it.
- Overfilling your slow cooker: Don’t get too ambitious. You want enough space for the magic to happen.
- Leaving it on high for too long: News flash, beef can turn into shoe leather if you forget about it. Set a timer, folks.
- Using pre-chopped onions: Sure, they exist, but fresh onions make all the difference. It’s the little things
- Thinking sour cream is optional: This dish needs that creamy goodness. No substitutions here.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, I get it. Sometimes you look in your pantry and realize you’re missing half the ingredients. No worries. Here are some substitutions you can roll with:
- Beef chuck roast: Pork shoulder works just as well if you’re in the mood for something different. Just remember, it’s no longer Beef Stroganoff at that point, but who cares?
- Mushrooms: If you really cannot stand mushrooms (crazy, I know), try zucchini or bell peppers for a different texture.
- Sour cream: Feel free to use Greek yogurt. It’s like sour cream’s healthier cousin.
- Egg noodles: Any pasta you have lying around is fair game. Spaghetti could lead to some interesting dish names but shoot your shot!
- Heavy cream instead of sour cream: Go for it if you’re feeling fancy and a bit decadent.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Let’s tackle some burning questions now. You know the ones you’ve been dying to ask.
Can I use frozen beef? Yes, but thaw it first. We’re choosing flavor over convenience here.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Just toss it in the slow cooker the night before and let it do the work. Crazy easy.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that?
What if I don’t have thyme? No worries. Basil is your pal in this situation. Not a thyme snob, are you?
Is this dish gluten-free? Not unless you use gluten-free flour and pasta. You’re halfway there if you omit the noodles.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to handle the parties you’re going to throw with this meal.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! With this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe under your belt, you can saunter into any dinner situation with confidence. So grab those ingredients, turn on that slow cooker, and sit back and relax. You’re about to create something truly delicious without breaking a sweat. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and comforting beef stroganoff made effortlessly in a slow cooker, featuring tender beef in a rich creamy sauce served over egg noodles or rice.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef chuck roast (Cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (Sliced)
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (To taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
- Egg noodles or rice (For serving)
Instructions
- Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Place the browned beef cubes into the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the sour cream with flour and stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
- Serve the Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles or rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a healthier option, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use pork shoulder instead of beef for a different flavor.