You know those nights? The ones where you’re utterly wiped, the fridge looks kinda sad, but you still crave something warm, hearty, and totally comforting? Yeah, me too. And that’s exactly why this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is my absolute go-to. Seriously, it’s the magic trick that turns a chaotic evening into a cozy win with hardly any effort. It takes all the guesswork out of a classic dish, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. My mom used to make a baked version, but honestly, this slow cooker method is a game-changer for busy folks like us – it’s just pure, delicious simplicity that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Honestly, what’s not to love about this recipe? It’s the ultimate comfort food hero because:
- It’s ridiculously easy! Just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest.
- Cleanup is a breeze – practically just one pot to wash.
- The flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s so rich and deeply satisfying with that classic stroganoff taste.
- It’s pure cozy goodness on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a hug in food form.
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Okay, so gathering up your ingredients for this dreamy beef stroganoff is super simple. You really don’t need anything fancy, just good ol’ straightforward stuff that comes together beautifully in the slow cooker. Trust me, the short ingredient list is part of why I love it so much!
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces (this is great because it stays tender!)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (any kind you like work, but cremini are my fave)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or even more if you’re a garlic fanatic like me!)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (hey, it’s a slow cooker classic for a reason!)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream (this is key for that creamy finish!)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for a little pop of green and freshness at the end)
Simple Steps to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this amazing Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. The best part is how little active work you actually do! It’s all about layering things in and letting the magic happen. I’ve made this so many times, I can practically do it with my eyes closed. Just follow these simple steps and get ready for a dinner that’ll make everyone happy. Head over to this page if you want to see another great take on it!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
First things first, grab your slow cooker insert. We’re going to toss in all our beautiful prepped ingredients: the bite-sized beef sirloin, those lovely sliced mushrooms, your chopped onion, and the minced garlic. Just layer them all in there. Don’t overthink it; it all goes together before the sauce comes in to work its magic.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Now for the creamy goodness! In a separate bowl, whisk together that can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and the beef broth until it’s nice and smooth. This makes our sauce for the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Pour this yummy mixture right over everything in the slow cooker. It’s going to coat all those ingredients and start cooking down into something incredible.
Step 3: Seasoning and Cooking Your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Time to season! Sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Honestly, you can always add more later if you need to, but this is a good starting point for your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Now, pop that lid on tight. You can cook it on Low for about 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, High for 3 to 4 hours works great too. Low and slow is usually my preference for the most tender beef!
Step 4: Finishing Touches for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
The final stretch for your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff! About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in that dollop of sour cream and sprinkle in your fresh parsley. Give it a good stir to combine everything. That sour cream makes it all so wonderfully creamy and just finishes off the dish perfectly. Make sure everything is heated through before serving over those noodles.
Tips for Making the Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Okay, so we’ve got the basic recipe down, but let me tell you, a few little tweaks can seriously take your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff from good to absolutely sensational. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and they really make a difference, especially when you want that restaurant-quality flavor without all the fuss. Trust me on these!
First off, for the ultimate tender beef, try searing it before it goes into the slow cooker. Just get a little oil hot in a pan, brown the beef cubes really quickly on all sides, and then toss them in the slow cooker. It adds a depth of flavor that’s just *chef’s kiss*. If you love beef dishes that are super tender, you might also want to check out my slow-braised beef roast or a classic Beef Bourguignon. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your seasoning too – a little extra salt and pepper at the end can really brighten things up. And if you can’t find condensed cream of mushroom soup, no worries! You can totally use regular cream of mushroom soup and just maybe add another tablespoon or two of beef broth to get that perfect sauce consistency for your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff.
Serving Suggestions for Your Beef Stroganoff
Now that you’ve got this amazing beef stroganoff simmering away, what do you serve it with? The classic, of course, is over perfectly cooked fluffy egg noodles – they just soak up all that rich, creamy sauce like a dream. But don’t stop there! This dish is so versatile. I also love serving it spooned over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal. Rice is another great option if you prefer something different. For a more elegant twist, serve it alongside a creamy garlic mushroom risotto. Yum!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef stroganoff is practically even better the next day. To store it, pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it seems a little thick, just add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, just make sure to stir it midway through for even heating!
Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Got questions about whipping up this cozy dish? I’ve got answers! Making a great Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is pretty straightforward, but a few little tips can make all the difference. Here are some things folks often ask:
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff?
Absolutely! While sirloin is fantastic here, chuck roast or even round steak work well too. They might just need a little extra cooking time to get super tender, so keep an eye on it!
How to make this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff creamier?
To get that extra creamy texture in your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, try increasing the sour cream slightly, or perhaps stirring in a bit of heavy cream at the end. A small cornstarch slurry can also help thicken it up beautifully – just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking until it thickens up.
What are the best noodles to serve with Beef Stroganoff?
Egg noodles are the classic pairing for a reason! Wide or medium egg noodles really hold onto that delicious sauce. But if you’re feeling adventurous, fettuccine, pappardelle, or even serving it over mashed potatoes or rice are also wonderful choices.
Nutritional Information
Just a friendly heads-up: the nutritional info for this delicious dish is just an estimate, you know? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and, of course, how big your serving is (and how much you pile onto those noodles!). This is what you’re looking at per serving, without the noodles of course:
Serving Size: 1 serving (without noodles)
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 30g
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic beef stroganoff recipe made easily in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked
Instructions
- Place beef, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Pour over the beef mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the sour cream and parsley during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- If you don’t have condensed cream of mushroom soup, you can use regular cream of mushroom soup and add a little extra beef broth.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (without noodles)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, beef stroganoff, easy dinner, comfort food, beef recipe