Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: A Comforting, Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal
Beef stroganoff is a classic dish loved for its creamy sauce and tender beef, making it a perfect dinner choice. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe gives you a rich and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss in the ingredients, set your cooker, and let the flavors meld together while you go about your day.
Why you’ll love it
One of the best things about slow cooker beef stroganoff is how easy it is to prepare. Simply throw the ingredients into your slow cooker, and it does the work for you! The blend of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce creates a cozy feeling, making it perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings. Plus, it’s great for meal prep as it serves well as leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
For this delicious slow cooker beef stroganoff, you’ll need:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or rice for serving
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking to customize this recipe, you can make a few substitutions. Instead of beef sirloin, try using chuck roast for a juicier outcome or even a leaner cut if you prefer. You can swap out mushrooms for your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or peas, for added color and nutrition. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the beef sirloin into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Gather all your ingredients together for easy access.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Place the sliced beef, chopped onion, mushrooms, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and choose your cooking time. You can set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and fully cooked when you’re ready to serve.
Step 4: Add the Sour Cream
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream. This will create a rich and creamy texture for your sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice.
Success tips
- Temperature: The low setting is perfect for a slow cook, allowing the flavors to develop fully. If you’re short on time, the high setting works too, but be cautious not to overcook the beef.
- Texture: Ensure the beef is cut evenly so they cook uniformly. Tender is the goal!
- Common mistakes: Avoid skipping the sour cream; it’s essential for the creamy sauce. Also, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
How to serve
Beef stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles, which soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. However, rice is also a great option. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it appears too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze slow cooker beef stroganoff?
A: Yes, you can freeze it! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and set them in the slow cooker the next day.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative and serve it over gluten-free pasta or rice.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This recipe is a good source of protein from the beef and contains beneficial nutrients from the mushrooms and onions. Pairing it with a side of vegetables can boost your meal’s nutritional value.
Conclusion
Slow cooker beef stroganoff is a delicious and easy meal that brings comfort and warmth to your table without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to enjoy a hearty, homemade dish with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see how simple it is to create a family favorite!
Links to related recipes
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced Can substitute with chuck roast for a juicier outcome.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced Can substitute with other veggies like bell peppers or peas.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or plant-based sour cream.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Use gluten-free Worcestershire for a gluten-free option.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning before serving.
- Egg noodles or rice for serving Traditionally served over egg noodles, but rice is also great.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by slicing the beef sirloin into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Gather all your ingredients together for easy access.
Cooking
- Place the sliced beef, chopped onion, mushrooms, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and choose your cooking time. You can set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and fully cooked when you’re ready to serve.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream to create a rich and creamy texture for your sauce.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice.