If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, you’re going to love this Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth, bathed in a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients brought together effortlessly in the slow cooker, this dish is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend meals when you want something cozy without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe shows how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. Each component plays an important role, from the beef’s rich flavor to the tangy punch of Dijon mustard, building layers of taste and texture that make every bite irresistible.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast: Choose well-marbled meat for that tender, juicy texture after slow cooking.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, mushrooms are essential for that classic stroganoff flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a subtle aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy base that makes this stroganoff comforting and smooth.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the beefy richness and keeps everything moist during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity and a slight tang to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a delicate heat and piquancy that brightens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Lends a smoky warmth and vibrant color for an inviting look.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right level of mild spiciness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened and cubed): Makes the sauce irresistibly rich and velvety.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that’s iconic in stroganoff dishes.
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles (cooked and drained): The perfect tender bed to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): For a fresh, herbal garnish and a pop of color.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Begin by adding your beef stew meat, sliced onion, mushrooms, minced garlic, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. This vibrant mix is what infuses the whole dish with that wonderfully layered taste you expect from a classic stroganoff.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmering makes the beef fall-apart tender, allowing all those flavors to marry beautifully. The patience here teaches the meat to soak up every bit of the savory sauce.
Step 3: Finish with Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, gently stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream. These creamy additions melt smoothly into the sauce, turning it silky and rich. This step is what takes the Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe from delicious to downright irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a lovely way to finish this dish, adding a bright herbal note and a splash of green that livens up the creamy sauce visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of extra paprika can also add a touch of warmth and color to your individual plates.
Side Dishes
The classic side for this recipe is wide egg noodles, which soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a little variety, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add some crunch and freshness that balance the rich stroganoff.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your stroganoff atop mashed potatoes or creamy polenta instead of noodles. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or spoon the beef mixture over baked potatoes for a hearty lunch. The Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe is incredibly versatile and lends itself to easy, delicious reinventions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, let the stroganoff cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors might even deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even better!
Freezing
This Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and keep it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to add the sour cream and cream cheese only before serving if you want the best texture; otherwise, freezing the fully finished dish works fine too.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and keep that creamy consistency perfect.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! Chuck roast or beef stew meat work best because they become tender after long cooking, but you can also use brisket or even sirloin if you prefer leaner meat. Just adjust cooking time to make sure the beef is tender and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup?
While cream of mushroom soup adds a lovely creaminess and mushroom flavor, you can substitute with homemade or canned mushroom sauce if you want to avoid processed ingredients. Just ensure it has a similar consistency for the perfect sauce texture.
Can I make this Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives, and check the soup ingredients for any dairy. There are plenty of delicious plant-based options that still keep the sauce creamy and satisfying.
What is the best way to prevent noodles from getting soggy when serving?
Cook the noodles just until al dente, drain them well, and serve immediately with the stroganoff sauce. If you need to prepare ahead, toss them lightly with a little oil to prevent sticking and texture loss.
Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Diced carrots, peas, or even some chopped bell peppers can add color and nutrition. Just add them in with the other ingredients at the start so they cook through properly.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those special dishes that brings people together around the dinner table. It’s easy enough for busy days but comforting enough to feel like a real treat. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a go-to favorite for cozy, delicious meals. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, creamy goodness!
Print
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is a rich and creamy comfort food classic made easy with a slow cooker. Tender beef chunks simmer with mushrooms, onions, and a flavorful blend of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and spices, then finished with cream cheese and sour cream for a luscious sauce. Served over wide egg noodles and garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Extras
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
Pasta
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the beef chunks, sliced onion, mushrooms, minced garlic, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined to evenly distribute the seasonings and flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the beef is fall-apart tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Finish the Sauce: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream into the slow cooker. Mix until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and the cream cheese has fully melted.
- Prepare Egg Noodles: While the stroganoff finishes cooking, cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For best results, use chuck roast for a more tender, flavorful beef.
- Cooking on LOW is preferred for more tender meat, but HIGH works if you’re short on time.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dish, but add it off heat to prevent curdling.
- Feel free to add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; adjust cooking time accordingly.
