If you love comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender beef and mushrooms, crockpot beef stroganoff is a perfect meal to try. This classic dish gets even better when made in a slow cooker because the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the flavors have all day to develop. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare—just a few simple steps and your dinner practically cooks itself!
Why Make Beef Stroganoff in a Crockpot?
Using a crockpot for beef stroganoff means you can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process breaks down tougher cuts of beef, making them incredibly tender without drying out. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dish without standing over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic rundown of what you’ll need for a classic crockpot beef stroganoff:
– Beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into cubes (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
– Olive oil and butter for browning
– Yellow onion, thinly sliced
– Cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (about 8 to 16 ounces)
– Garlic, minced
– All-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
– Beef broth (1 to 1.5 cups)
– Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
– Dried thyme or dill (optional for extra herb flavor)
– Sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds richness to the dish. Once browned, transfer the beef to your crockpot.
2. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook until they soften and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce Base
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for a minute or two until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the pan—they add great flavor!
4. Combine and Slow Cook
Pour the mushroom and onion mixture into the crockpot with the beef. Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme or dill if using. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long cooking time tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors beautifully.
5. Finish with Sour Cream
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to make the sauce creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crockpot beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
– Searing the beef is optional but highly recommended for better flavor.
– Use stew meat or chuck roast for the best tenderness and value.
– Avoid cooking noodles in the crockpot; cook them separately to prevent mushiness.
– You can double the recipe easily for a crowd—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.
– If you want a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations to Try
– Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra depth.
– Substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
– For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.
Crockpot beef stroganoff is a classic comfort meal that’s perfect for busy days and chilly evenings. With tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!