This Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. It features tender beef simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles.
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is! Just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s a delicious hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck or round work best for tenderness after slow cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, you could use sirloin. Just remember, it might cook a bit quicker, so adjust your time accordingly!
Mushrooms: Fresh sliced mushrooms add depth; cremini or button mushrooms are great. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or try canned mushrooms when fresh isn’t an option, but the flavor may differ.
Sour Cream: This gives richness to the dish. If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang too!
Beef Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness. You can swap it for chicken broth, but the taste will vary. If you’re looking to avoid broth, water works too, yet it’s less flavorful.
Egg Noodles or Rice: While traditional stroganoff is served over egg noodles, you can opt for rice, quinoa, or even spiralized veggies for a gluten-free alternative. They all soak up the sauce nicely!
How Do You Achieve Tender Beef in a Crockpot?
Getting tender beef in your stroganoff relies on slow cooking. The long cooking time at low temperatures breaks down the tough fibers in the meat.
- Start by browning the beef in a skillet for extra flavor, though it’s optional for the crockpot method.
- Place your beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms in the crockpot first before adding liquids. This layering helps with flavor mixing.
- Don’t rush the cooking. Stick to low for even tender results, but high works too if you’re short on time.
Remember, checking the tenderness at the end is the key! Every crockpot is different, so if it’s not ready, a little extra time won’t hurt.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (like chuck or round)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low in your crockpot. You’ll spend a little time chopping and mixing, then you can let the crockpot do the work while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then slice the mushrooms. This will make it easier when you start combining everything in the crockpot.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, add the beef stew meat, diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure it’s mixed well.
3. Cook the Beef Stroganoff:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. Choose either low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The beef will become tender and flavorful as it cooks away! Don’t forget to check on it sometimes, but no peeking too often!
4. Add the Creamy Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, grab a small bowl and mix the sour cream with the optional flour until it’s smooth. Stir this mixture into the beef in the crockpot. This step is key if you like a thicker sauce!
5. Taste and Serve:
After 30 minutes, give your beef stroganoff a taste. You can adjust the seasoning if you like. Once it’s all perfect, serve the delicious beef over cooked egg noodles or rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional, you can substitute it with pork, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just remember that cooking times may vary, especially with lean meats like chicken breasts, which may require less time in the crockpot.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this beef stroganoff gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickening agent, like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Also, be sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture the night before and refrigerate it in the crockpot insert. In the morning, just place it into the crockpot and cook as usual. This is a great way to save time while keeping dinner hassle-free!
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, be sure to leave out the sour cream until you reheat the dish to prevent curdling. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding the sour cream at the end for that creamy finish.
