If you are craving a comforting and rich dish that practically melts in your mouth, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is here to wow your taste buds. Tender beef stew meat simmers slowly in a flavorful blend of brown gravy and au jus mixes, then gets luxuriously creamy with a touch of sour cream, all served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s a soul-warming meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum satisfaction—ideal for busy days when you want to come home to a hearty, home-cooked classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make the magic happen in this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Each one contributes to the dish’s unbeatable depth of flavor and comforting texture, ensuring every bite is utterly delicious.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy chunks that soak up all the savory flavors.
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix: Adds rich, meaty flavor and thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix: Enhances the beefy undertones and balances the savory notes.
- 1 1/2 cups water: The essential liquid base that brings everything together and ensures slow cooking yields tender results.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Provides creaminess and a slight tang that cuts through the richness for harmony.
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles: The classic pairing that absorbs the luscious sauce beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker Base
Start by giving your slow cooker a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray to make clean-up a breeze. Then whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water directly in the slow cooker until smooth. This flavorful foundation is where your beef will simmer low and slow to perfection.
Step 2: Add the Beef
Toss in the beef stew meat and stir gently to coat every piece with the savory gravy mixture. Make sure the meat is mostly submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for about 5 hours. The long, slow cook time is what transforms the beef into that tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight you’re dreaming of.
Step 3: Stir in the Sour Cream
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, scoop out half a cup of the hot gravy from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Mix the sour cream into this to temper it gently, preventing curdling. Then stir the sour cream mixture back into the slow cooker, cover, and let it heat through on high for 20 minutes. This step gives the sauce that creamy, tangy finish that makes this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe so special.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the stroganoff finishes up, boil your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well and either serve the beef mixture ladled over the noodles or mix everything directly in the slow cooker for a complete, cozy meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives. Their bright green color adds a lovely touch of freshness and a pleasant herbal note that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but for extra comfort, pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans. The freshness and crunch will balance the creamy, tender beef and noodles perfectly. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also great options to mop up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe in puff pastry shells or over mashed potatoes for an indulgently creamy meal. You can also layer it in a casserole dish topped with cheese and bake briefly for a bubbly Stroganoff bake that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stroganoff keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead for easy meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Freeze the beef mixture separately from the noodles to maintain texture, storing both in sealed containers or freezer bags. They can keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. If you froze the beef and noodles separately, reheat them individually and combine right before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat works great for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes for tender, flavorful results. Avoid lean cuts as they may dry out during the long cooking process.
Is it necessary to use both brown gravy mix and au jus mix?
Using both adds layers of savory flavor and complexity to the sauce, but if you only have one, the dish will still be delicious. Just be mindful that the depth of flavor might be a bit less pronounced.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. The creamy texture is essential, so choose a substitute that’s thick and rich.
Can I prepare this recipe on high heat from the start?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 5 hours, but low and slow is best for tender beef. Cooking on low lets the meat break down gradually, resulting in a more succulent dish.
What if I want to add vegetables?
Feel free to toss in mushrooms, onions, or green beans about halfway through cooking. They’ll soak up the delicious flavors without getting too mushy, adding more texture and nutrition to your dish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I promise this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, fire up your slow cooker, and treat yourself to some of this cozy comfort food magic!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe offers a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender beef stew meat cooked in savory brown gravy and au jus mix, finished with creamy sour cream and served over classic egg noodles. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, the slow cooker does most of the work, yielding rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pasta
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker and Sauce: Spray a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water to the slow cooker and whisk to combine. Add the beef stew meat and stir, ensuring the meat is as covered with the liquid as possible. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Add Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, ladle approximately 1/2 cup of the cooking gravy into a small bowl. Stir in the sour cream until smooth, then add this mixture back into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and cook covered on high for an additional 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Noodles and Serve: Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender. Serve the beef and creamy gravy mixture over the hot noodles. For convenience, you may stir the noodles directly into the slow cooker before serving, combining everything evenly.
Notes
- You can adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker and desired beef tenderness.
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option but add it at the end to prevent curdling.
- Adding fresh mushrooms or onions at the beginning can enrich the dish with more flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
