Why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish perfect for any day. The slow cooking process helps meld together flavors, making the beef tender and the sauce creamy. It’s an easy and delicious dish that requires minimal hands-on effort, allowing you to enjoy other activities while it cooks. If you love rich flavors and hearty meals, this recipe is a must-try!

How to make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Making Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is straightforward and rewarding. With just a bit of preparation, you can let your slow cooker do the work. Follow these simple steps to create a wonderful meal for your family or friends.

Ingredients

900 g (2 lbs) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
400 g (14 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced
480 ml (2 cups) low sodium beef broth
60 ml (1/4 cup) Worcestershire sauce
30 ml (2 tbsp) tomato paste
5 g (1 tsp) dried thyme
4 g (1 tsp) paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
240 ml (1 cup) sour cream
20 g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
340 g (12 oz) egg noodles, cooked separately
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

Season the beef: Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper.
Add to slow cooker: Place the beef in the slow cooker along with the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, and paprika.
Combine in slow cooker: Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
Prepare the slurry: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with 60 ml (1/4 cup) cold water to make a slurry.
Add for thickness: Stir the flour mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes.
Add sour cream: Stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
Serve: Spoon the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley for an inviting look.

Nutriment benefits

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits. Beef stew meat is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth. The addition of mushrooms provides vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and B vitamins. The sour cream adds calcium, and when paired with whole-grain egg noodles, you have a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates for energy. Cooking in a slow cooker also allows for less fat intake as no extra oils are needed.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

While Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is delicious on its own, there are some great side dishes to accompany it:

Green beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch to the meal.
Salad: A simple side salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing can balance the rich flavors.
Crusty bread: Fresh bread for dipping into the creamy sauce is always a hit.
Mashed potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, serve with buttery mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This

You will love this recipe because it is easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and fills the house with a wonderful aroma as it cooks. The tender beef, paired with creamy sauce over egg noodles, creates a cozy meal that is comforting and satisfying. It’s also a great make-ahead option as it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

How to store Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stroganoff will last for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce as it may thicken in the fridge. You can also freeze the stroganoff in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Don’t rush the cooking: Slow cooking is key to achieving tender beef. Avoid cooking on high for too long.
Be careful with seasoning: Since you’re using beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, be careful with the amount of salt you add.
Don’t skip the flour slurry: This step is essential for thickening the sauce. Skipping it will result in a thinner sauce.
Choosing beef: Make sure to use a good cut of beef for stew, as tougher cuts need the long cooking time to become tender.

Variation

There are many ways you can put your own spin on this dish:

Mushroom variations: Swap cremini mushrooms for portobello or even shiitake to change the flavor profile.
Add vegetables: Carrots and peas can be added in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free noodles or serve over mashed potatoes instead.
Spicier kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken or pork, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and put them in the slow cooker the night before. Just refrigerate overnight and set up the slow cooker in the morning.

3. How can I make it dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and exclude the flour or substitute with a gluten-free thickener for a dairy-free option.

With these steps and tips, making a delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff at home becomes easy and enjoyable. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a warming meal that delights your senses.