Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely have to try this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Tender cubes of beef simmered to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms and a hint of Dijon mustard come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it an ideal dish for busy days or cozy weekends. It’s a true crowd-pleaser with a deliciously satisfying flavor profile that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that build layers of flavor and create a luscious texture. Each ingredient plays a key role — from tender beef that melts in your mouth to the creamy tang of sour cream, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic garlic and onions that infuse every bite with depth and comfort.

• 1.75kg / 3.5lb beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 4cm cubes: The star ingredient; these cuts become meltingly tender when slow-cooked.
• 1.5 tsp salt and 1.5 tsp pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the beef and balances the richness.
• 2 tbsp oil: Needed for browning the beef to develop deep, savory notes.
• 20g / 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds lush richness when sautéing the aromatics.
• 1 large onion, halved and sliced: Provides sweetness and savory depth as it softens.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Lends aromatic warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
• 7 tbsp plain flour: This thickens the sauce and gives it that classic velvety texture.
• 4 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity that elevates the whole dish.
• 1 litre reduced-salt beef stock: Creates the flavorful base of the sauce.
• 1 ½ cups full-fat sour cream: Makes the sauce creamy with a pleasant hint of tang.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Used to cook the mushrooms, enhancing their richness.
• 700g / 1.2 lb mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthy flavor and meaty texture to complement the beef.
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Infuses the mushrooms with amazing aroma.
• ½ tsp salt and pepper: To season the mushrooms perfectly.
• Pasta, wide egg noodles, or mashed potatoes: Classic serving options that soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Chives for garnish: A fresh, colorful touch to finish the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Season the Beef

Begin by patting your beef cubes dry with a paper towel—this helps achieve a better sear. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over all sides. This simple step enhances the meat’s natural flavor and sets the foundation for your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a heavy skillet or pot over high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded, and brown them aggressively on all sides for about four minutes. Browning is crucial here as it creates those deep, savory flavors you’ll taste later. Work in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed, and remove the browned beef to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Allow your pot to cool down slightly, then melt half of the butter in it. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, cooking them for about three minutes until they soften and start to release their sweet aroma. This step enhances the depth of the sauce and creates the perfect savory base for the stroganoff.

Step 4: Add Flour and Mustard

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Then, add the Dijon mustard and continue stirring—the mixture will look thick and gluey at this stage, but don’t worry, it will dissolve once the stock is added. This combination acts as a thickening agent and brings a subtle tang that’s signature to any Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe.

Step 5: Pour in the Beef Stock

Slowly pour about half of the beef stock into the pot while stirring vigorously. This dissolves the flour and mustard, creating a smooth, gravy-like consistency. Use a whisk if needed to get rid of any lumps. Add the remaining stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker and Cook

Carefully transfer the beef and sauce to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for about 5 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender and the flavors have melded beautifully together. Slow cooking is what transforms this dish into the ultimate comfort food.

Step 7: Prepare the Mushrooms

While the beef is nearing readiness, melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown—this adds a rich, earthy element that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce

Once the beef is tender, stir in the sautéed mushrooms and then fold in the sour cream until the sauce is silky and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The result is a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the beef and mushrooms in every mouthful—a hallmark of a great Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley. These garnishes add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

The classic partners for this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe are wide egg noodles or buttered pasta, which soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. Mashed potatoes are also a fantastic choice, offering a dreamy, velvety base that complements the tender beef and mushrooms exquisitely. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a simple green salad bring freshness and crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try serving this comforting stroganoff over creamy polenta or roasted squash slices for an autumn-inspired twist. You can also serve it in warm bread bowls for a fun and cozy presentation that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even better. Just be sure to cool the stroganoff completely before refrigerating to maintain its quality.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe freezes very well. Portion it into meal-sized containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Avoid boiling, as high heat can cause the sour cream to curdle. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful, you can use other stewing beef cuts like brisket or round. Just make sure they’re suitable for long, slow cooking to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning your beef first adds a depth of flavor and beautiful color to the dish that you won’t get otherwise. It’s a step worth the little extra time because it enriches the sauce dramatically.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream, and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

What can I use instead of egg noodles as a side?

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but you can also try rice, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables if you want a lower-carb option. The key is to have something that can absorb the creamy sauce.

How thick should the sauce be when serving?

The sauce should be rich and velvety but not too thick that it feels heavy or pasty. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a bit of extra beef stock until you reach the perfect pourable consistency that clings lovingly to every bite.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is pure magic—effortless to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in something truly special that warms the heart and soul with every bite!

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