If you’re searching for a hearty and comforting meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly in a rich gravy that’s both savory and creamy, resulting in the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the simplicity of pantry-friendly ingredients to the luscious finish of sour cream, this dish is a warm hug on a plate that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is delightfully simple. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building the base of the sauce, adding depth to the beef, or providing that creamy finish that takes this dish over the top.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled cuts for tender, juicy results after slow cooking.
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix: This adds a rich, savory flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix: Enhances the beefy depth with a subtle hint of herbs and spices.
- 1 1/2 cups water: The perfect amount to hydrate the mixes and create the slow cooker’s hearty gravy.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end, it gives the sauce a luxurious creaminess and slight tang.
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles: Classic and tender, these noodles soak up the sauce and complete the dish perfectly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Beef
Start by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. In the cooker, whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water until smooth. Add your beef stew meat, gently stirring to ensure the chunks are fully coated in the delicious gravy base. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for about 5 hours, cooking until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Sour Cream Mixture
About 30 minutes before serving, carefully scoop out about half a cup of the flavorful gravy into a separate bowl. Mix in the sour cream until smooth and then return this creamy blend to the slow cooker. Stir it well to combine, then keep cooking covered on high for another 20 minutes to meld those creamy, tangy notes perfectly with the beef and sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the final cooking phase is underway, boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and get them ready for serving. You can either plate the stroganoff over the noodles or gently mix the noodles right into the slow cooker just before serving for a one-pot delight.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of dill brightens the plate and adds a fresh contrast to the rich stroganoff. A dusting of paprika or cracked black pepper can bring an extra pop of color and subtle flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish stands powerfully on its own, but you can enhance it with sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These add texture and a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stroganoff over mashed cauliflower or baked potatoes. Layering it atop garlic bread or even stuffing it inside hollowed-out bell peppers turns a classic into a stunning dinner party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making subsequent meals even tastier.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing cooked noodles with the beef sauce, as they can become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and revive that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stroganoff?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is perfect for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just make sure it’s a cut that benefits from slow, moist cooking to become tender.
Is it necessary to use both brown gravy mix and au jus mix?
Using both adds layers of flavor—brown gravy gives richness and thickness, while au jus brings that deep, beefy essence. You can experiment, but the combination yields the best results.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. Just add it at the end of cooking to prevent curdling, and it will give a similar creamy tang.
How long can I cook the stroganoff on high setting?
The high setting usually requires about 5 hours for the beef to become tender. Cooking longer on high risks overcooking the beef, so it’s best to stick close to that time frame.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then pressure cook with the liquids for about 35 minutes, followed by a natural release. Add sour cream after pressure cooking to finish the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings comfort and joy with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for cozy nights, dinner with friends, or any time you crave something warm and satisfying. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and experience how effortless slow cooker magic can transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender beef stew meat slow-cooked in a rich brown gravy and au jus sauce, finished with creamy sour cream and served over egg noodles. Perfect for a hearty family meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pasta
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. In the slow cooker, whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and 1 1/2 cups water until combined.
- Add Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the gravy mixture, stirring to coat the meat thoroughly. Ensure most of the beef is covered with the liquid to allow even cooking. Cover the slow cooker.
- Cook Beef: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours, until the beef becomes tender and easily shreddable.
- Mix in Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, ladle approximately 1/2 cup of the cooking gravy into a small bowl. Stir in the sour cream until smooth. Return this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook Noodles: While the stroganoff finishes cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain well.
- Serve: Serve the tender beef and creamy gravy over the hot egg noodles. Alternatively, you can stir the cooked noodles directly into the slow cooker to combine before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef stew meat with chuck roast cut into cubes if preferred.
- Adjust sour cream quantity to taste for creaminess.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the water amount slightly or add a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adding sautéed mushrooms and onions at the beginning enhances the flavor.
- If you want the noodles integrated, add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, but be mindful of timing to avoid overcooking.
