Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

Introduction

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is the epitome of comfort food. Originating from Russia, Stroganoff traditionally features tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy, savory sauce with mushrooms and onions, served over egg noodles. The crockpot version brings this classic dish into the world of convenience—slow cooking transforms tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection while infusing the sauce with incredible depth of flavor.

It’s hearty, creamy, and soul-warming—perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekend meals. With minimal prep, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, leaving you with a dish that feels gourmet without requiring hours of active cooking.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Crockpot Beef Stroganoff because it strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and simple preparation. The beef turns out fork-tender, the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy, and the mushrooms add an earthy depth that ties everything together.

Another reason I adore it is its versatility—it can be served with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, depending on what you’re craving. Plus, it’s a dish that makes fantastic leftovers, tasting even better the next day after the flavors meld. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet approachable, which is why I keep coming back to it.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Comfort: A timeless dish that never goes out of style.
• Effortless Cooking: Just a few steps of prep and the crockpot does the rest.
• Rich & Creamy: The sauce is luxurious without being fussy.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love it.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Great for meal prepping or reheating.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: ~6–8 hours (mostly hands-off)

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~420–450 kcal (without noodles or rice)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Russian-American Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-size cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional but recommended)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry, optional for thickening)
• 1 cup sour cream (full fat recommended)
• 12 oz egg noodles (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Season beef with salt and pepper. (Optional: Sear beef cubes in olive oil until browned for extra flavor.)
2. Place beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms in crockpot.
3. In a bowl, whisk beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef mixture.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender.
5. Thirty minutes before serving, mix cornstarch slurry into the sauce if you want it thicker. Stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
6. Cook egg noodles separately according to package instructions.
7. Serve beef stroganoff over noodles, garnished with parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Beef: Cut beef into cubes, season, and sear (optional but flavorful).
2. Layer Crockpot: Add beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
3. Mix Sauce: Combine broth, Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, and thyme. Pour into crockpot.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook until beef is fork-tender.
5. Finish Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry (if needed), then sour cream for creaminess.
6. Serve: Plate over egg noodles, garnish with parsley, and enjoy.

How to Serve

• Traditionally served over buttered egg noodles, but can also be enjoyed with:
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Steamed rice
  • Cauliflower rice (low-carb option)
  • Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Recipe Tips

• Use chuck roast for the most tender results.
• Don’t add sour cream too early—it may curdle. Add at the end.
• Sear the beef if you have time—it adds deep flavor.
• Mushrooms shrink a lot, so don’t be afraid to use a full 10 oz or even more.
• For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream.

Variations

1. Ground Beef Stroganoff: Use browned ground beef for a quicker version.
2. Chicken Stroganoff: Swap beef for boneless chicken thighs or breasts.
3. Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace beef with portobello mushrooms and vegetable broth.
4. Gluten-Free: Serve over rice or gluten-free pasta.
5. Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months. Add sour cream just before serving (fresh) for best results.
• Reheating: Warm on stovetop over medium-low heat; add a splash of broth to loosen sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• 6–7 quart crockpot / slow cooker
• Skillet (if searing beef)
• Mixing bowl & whisk
• Large pot (for noodles)

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is a dish that combines classic comfort with modern convenience. It’s hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep. With tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a silky sauce, this recipe is proof that the slow cooker can deliver gourmet results with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.