If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in cozy, comforting flavors and delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a creamy, dreamy sauce, then this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s the perfect blend of rich beef chuck, earthy mushrooms, and luscious sour cream, all slow-cooked into a harmonious, velvety stew that tastes like it took hours of love in the kitchen—even though it mostly simmers away hands-free. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself on a chilly evening, this recipe brings warmth, ease, and guaranteed deliciousness to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe means gathering simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender beef chuck to the earthy mushrooms and tangy sour cream, every component is essential for that classic Stroganoff taste and perfect creaminess.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps to coat the beef and thicken the sauce, giving it that irresistible silky texture.
- Kosher salt (2 ½ teaspoons, divided): Balances and enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the savory profile.
- Beef chuck roast (2 pounds): Well trimmed and cut into chunks, providing tender, flavorful meat perfect for slow cooking.
- Olive oil spray and 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for sautéing onions and browning the beef, creating rich, caramelized notes.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Brings sweetness and aroma that rounds out the dish.
- Mushrooms (1 pound, sliced): Add an earthy, meaty flavor and wonderful texture contrast.
- Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle smoky sweetness to brighten the sauce.
- Beef broth (1 cup): The savory base that keeps everything moist and infuses the beef with deeper flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a complex umami punch, double-check for gluten-free if needed.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Stirred in at the end for luxurious creaminess without overpowering the balance.
- Egg noodles (1 pound): The perfect tender bed for soaking up all those luscious flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef chunks with 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt, a generous grind of black pepper, and the flour. This coating helps to tenderize the meat and primes it for browning, which builds that deep, savory flavor we all love in Beef Stroganoff.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat your skillet over medium heat, add the teaspoon of olive oil, and toss in the chopped onions. Cooking for 5 to 7 minutes softens them perfectly, releasing their sweetness and aroma that forms the foundation of the sauce. Once softened, transfer the onions to your slow cooker and wipe the skillet clean for the beef.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Increase heat to medium-high and spray the skillet with olive oil spray for a nice sear. Brown the beef chunks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, locking in those delicious juices and adding a rich, caramelized crust. After browning, transfer the beef to the slow cooker on top of the onions.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Mushrooms
Sprinkle in the sweet paprika, pour in the beef broth, add the remaining salt, and drizzle Worcestershire sauce. At first, it might look dry, but this mixture will loosen beautifully as the slow cooker does its magic. Top with the sliced mushrooms and gently stir to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 to 10 hours. The slow heat transforms the beef into tender, succulent bites that practically fall apart. The mushrooms soften while keeping their earthy texture, all melding into an irresistible sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Serve
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream for that signature creamy taste that balances the beef and mushrooms beautifully. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Serve the luxurious beef and mushroom sauce spooned generously over the noodles, or fold the noodles directly into the slow cooker for a comforting one-pot meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme adds a pop of vibrant green color and fresh flavor that brightens this rich dish and makes it even more inviting before you dig in.
Side Dishes
While the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a hearty dish on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans can add freshness and lighten the meal, balancing out the creamy sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta instead of noodles. Alternatively, plating it in mini bread bowls can wow your guests and make dinner feel extra special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, often tasting even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When freezing, omit the sour cream and add it fresh when reheating later, as sour cream can separate when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once warmed through, stir in fresh sour cream to recreate that creamy texture and fresh tang that makes this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its flavor and tenderness during slow cooking, you can also use brisket or stew meat. Just ensure it’s well trimmed and cut into chunks for even cooking.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning the beef isn’t mandatory, but it adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a richer color to the final dish. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but the result won’t be quite as rich.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour to coat the beef and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels to be safe.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Both add creaminess and tang without overpowering the other flavors, but be sure to stir them in at the end to avoid curdling.
Can I prepare this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop or bake covered in the oven at a low temperature until the beef is tender (about 2 to 3 hours). Just keep an eye on the liquid levels and add broth as needed to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a celebration of comfort food at its finest—easy to prepare, richly flavorful, and wonderfully nourishing. It’s perfect for those days when you want to come home to a cozy meal without lots of hands-on cooking. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again, sharing its warmth and deliciousness with everyone you love.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe featuring tender beef chuck roast cooked low and slow with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sour cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner served over egg noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast (well trimmed and cut into chunks)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 pound mushrooms (sliced)
Other Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 cup beef broth (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check labels for gluten-free)
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 pound egg noodles
Instructions
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, season the beef chunks with 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the flour. Make sure the beef is evenly coated to help thicken the sauce later.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and the chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the onions to the slow cooker and wipe the skillet clean.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and spray with olive oil. Brown the seasoned beef chunks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice crust. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker on top of the onions.
- Add Flavorings and Mushrooms: To the slow cooker, add 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 cup beef broth, the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently. Top with the sliced mushrooms and stir lightly to distribute.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 to 10 hours until the beef is very tender and the flavors meld perfectly.
- Finish with Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in ¾ cup sour cream to enrich the sauce and add creaminess.
- Cook Noodles: Prepare 1 pound egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles or fold the noodles gently into the slow cooker just before serving for a combined dish.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and Worcestershire sauce if gluten intolerance is a concern.
- The beef broth quantity seems low, but the slow cooker generates enough liquid to keep the dish moist.
- For thicker sauce, you can sprinkle additional flour during browning or reduce liquid broth slightly.
- Leftovers keep well and reheat nicely, making this dish great for meal prep.
