This Easy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is a warm and cozy dish that everyone will love. With tender beef, creamy sauce, and mushrooms, it’s a true comfort food that’s super simple to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This cut of meat is great for slow cooking as it becomes tender over time. You can substitute with chuck roast, just cut into cubes. If you want a leaner option, consider using sirloin, but it won’t be as tender.
Mushrooms: Sliced button mushrooms are classic, but you can use cremini or shiitake for a deeper flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or replace them with diced carrots for added sweetness.
Sour Cream: For a lighter version, Greek yogurt works well here. Just make sure to stir it in at the end to avoid curdling when heated. You can also use a dairy-free sour cream if you need a non-dairy option.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is perfect if you have it. Store-bought works just fine as long as you choose low-sodium to control the salt level. Vegetable broth can be a good substitute for a lighter flavor.
How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Tender?
The secret to tender beef in your stroganoff lies in the cooking time and temperature. Cooking on low for 7-8 hours is ideal, but if you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works too. Always check for tenderness before serving.
- Start with high-quality beef, as it can make a difference in texture.
- Be patient and avoid opening the lid too often, as this releases heat and can prolong cooking.
- Make sure the beef is submerged in the liquid to keep it moist and tender.
Easy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Egg noodles or wide pasta, cooked according to package instructions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, and you will need to cook it for either 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. The total active time is relatively short, but the magic happens while it cooks, making it a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables:
Start by placing the beef stew meat into the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms on top of the beef. This will create a great base for your stroganoff!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it well. This mixture is going to bring all the flavors together!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef turns nice and tender.
4. Add the Cream Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, take a bowl and mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and flour together until smooth. This will give a creamy texture to your stroganoff.
5. Finish Cooking:
Stir the sour cream mixture into the crockpot, cover, and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and meld the flavors beautifully.
6. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, taste the stroganoff and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Then, ladle the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an enjoyable finish!
Enjoy your easy and comforting Crockpot Beef Stroganoff! It’s perfect for family dinners or any busy evening when you need a delicious meal waiting for you!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works best, you can use chuck roast or sirloin as alternatives. For a different flavor, try using pork or even chicken, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What if I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can make your own substitute using 1 cup of heavy cream mixed with 1 tablespoon of mushroom broth or just skip it altogether. You can also use a can of cream of chicken soup for a different twist!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the ingredients and put everything in the crockpot the night before, then just pop it in the fridge. In the morning, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Enjoy the aroma filling your home while it cooks!
