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If you are craving a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender beef stew meat slowly cooked to perfection in a flavorful blend of brown gravy and au jus mixes, enriched with creamy sour cream, creates a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with soft egg noodles. It’s an easy-to-prepare, hands-off dish that delivers deep, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, making it a beloved classic for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that combine to make a hearty, irresistible meal. Each one plays a crucial role: the beef brings richness and texture, the gravy mixes pack a punch of savory goodness, the sour cream adds that creamy tang, and the egg noodles provide the perfect base to soak up all those delicious juices.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled stew meat for tenderness and flavor that stands up to long cooking.
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix: This adds a rich, thickened base to the sauce with deep beefy notes.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix: Au jus mix gives an extra savory boost, elevating the flavor complexity.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Essential to hydrate the gravy and au jus mixes and slow-cook the meat slowly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess and slight tang that balances the savory sauce perfectly.
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles: Soft, tender egg noodles soak up the sauce making every bite a creamy delight.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Broth
Start by giving your slow cooker a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to avoid any sticking later on. Next, whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water directly in the slow cooker. This creates the rich broth that will slowly tenderize your beef and develop all those wonderful flavors during cooking.
Step 2: Add the Beef and Set the Cooker
Place your beef stew meat into the slow cooker and gently stir so all the meat pieces get coated with the broth mixture. Try to submerge as much of the meat as possible; this ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Cover the cooker and let it do its magic either on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours until the beef is tender and ready to melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Incorporate the Sour Cream
Thirty minutes before you’re ready to eat, scoop out about half a cup of the cooking liquid and transfer it to a small bowl. Stir in the sour cream until perfectly combined, then pour this creamy mixture back into the slow cooker. Giving everything a good stir, cover and cook on high for around 20 minutes. This step transforms the broth into a rich, silky sauce that defines a classic beef stroganoff.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the sauce finishes thickening, boil your egg noodles according to the package instructions. These tender noodles are the perfect partner for the hearty beef and velvety sauce. You can choose to serve the beef and stroganoff sauce poured over a bed of noodles or mix the noodles directly into the slow cooker to combine everything beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add brightness and a splash of color to this creamy dish. Consider sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to enhance the presentation and bring a gentle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
While this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with crisp steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh mixed greens salad adds texture and freshness to each bite. A crusty slice of bread is also fantastic for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stroganoff inside cozy bread bowls or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles. You could also spoon it over buttered rice or roasted vegetables to mix things up and keep every dinner exciting and new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making leftovers just as tasty—if not better—the next day.
Freezing
This stroganoff freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and rewarm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stroganoff in a pan on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or separation. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Heat until warmed evenly and creamy once again—perfect comfort food in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, you can substitute chuck roast cut into chunks or even brisket. These cuts also become tender and flavorful with slow cooking but ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
If you’re out of sour cream or want a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. Just make sure to stir it in at the end of cooking and avoid boiling after adding, to prevent curdling.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
You can make beef stroganoff on the stove, but slow cooking allows the beef to become especially tender and gives you hands-off convenience. For stovetop, cook the beef in a heavy pot, then simmer with gravy and au jus mix until tender.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free gravy and au jus mixes, and use gluten-free noodles instead of regular egg noodles. This swap makes the recipe accessible for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works perfectly as long as your slow cooker has enough capacity. Just ensure all the beef is submerged in the liquid for even cooking, and extend the cooking time if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing quite like settling into a bowl of creamy, tender beef stroganoff that’s been simmering away all day in the slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a total game-changer for busy days when you want wholesome, delicious food without standing over the stove. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food to savor again and again.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe featuring tender beef stew meat simmered in savory brown gravy and au jus mixes, enriched with sour cream, and served over tender egg noodles. Perfect for a hands-off hearty meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Gravy
- 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
Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pasta
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. In the slow cooker, whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water until fully blended.
- Add the Beef: Place the beef stew meat into the gravy mixture and stir gently to coat the beef. Make sure as much of the meat as possible is covered with the liquid for even cooking.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Incorporate the Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, remove approximately 1/2 cup of the gravy and place it in a small bowl. Stir the sour cream into the gravy until combined. Return this mixture to the slow cooker and stir gently. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Cook the Egg Noodles: While the sour cream is warming in the slow cooker, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Serve the tender beef and rich gravy over the hot egg noodles. Alternatively, for easier serving, you can add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the water slightly or add a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Sour cream should be stirred in at the end to prevent curdling and to maintain creaminess.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other pasta types like fettuccine or wide ribbons if preferred.
- Leftovers store well and reheat nicely, making this a great make-ahead dish.
- For added veggies, consider adding mushrooms or onions at the start of the cooking process.
