Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
Are you craving a rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying Beef Stroganoff but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? This slow cooker recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a traditional stroganoff with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is the Best
This recipe stands out because it balances ease of preparation with incredible flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. No more tough, chewy beef! Here's what makes it so special:
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking process ensures unbelievably tender beef, melting in your mouth.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The creamy sauce is the star of the show, rich and savory, perfectly complementing the tender beef.
- Easy Cleanup: The beauty of slow cooking! Minimal dishes to wash.
- Adaptable: Feel free to customize it with your favorite mushrooms, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked egg noodles or wide egg noodles for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): For deeper flavor, brown the beef cubes in a large skillet over medium-high heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't essential but highly recommended.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the browned beef (or raw beef) to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic.
- Sauce Preparation: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, sour cream, heavy cream, flour, Worcestershire sauce, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cooking Magic: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
- Serve: Serve the Beef Stroganoff hot over cooked egg noodles or wide egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Different Mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Wine Addition: A splash of dry sherry or white wine added to the sauce elevates the flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This Beef Stroganoff tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
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