There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff—tender beef swimming in a creamy, savory sauce, all draped over buttery noodles. This dish brings all the charm of a classic stroganoff to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it a weeknight favorite you’ll want to return to again and again. The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding together every rich note until dinner is pure savory perfection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully simple—each ingredient has a purpose, working together to create a sauce that’s silky, robust, and perfectly spiced. Gather these staples to make a cozy meal that’s as easy as it is impressive, and don’t overlook the power of a few humble pantry additions.
- Beef stew meat: Choose well marbled chunks; slow cooking transforms them into melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth while breaking down to flavor the sauce.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring irresistible aroma and a savory backbone to the whole dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a complex, umami richness you can’t skip.
- Dijon mustard: Adds brightness and subtle tang for balance.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning; enhances every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Paprika: Infuses warm, smoky undertones and a hint of color.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The shortcut ingredient for a deeply savory, creamy foundation.
- Beef broth: Intensifies the beefy flavor and keeps everything lusciously saucy.
- Cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for incredible richness and silky texture.
- Sour cream: Delivers the signature tang and creamy finish a stroganoff needs.
- Egg noodles: The classic base—wide, tender, and designed to soak up every saucy bite.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by piling your beef stew meat, onion, and garlic right into the slow cooker. Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Finally, add the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir so the seasonings and liquids are nicely distributed and each piece of beef gets coated in flavor.
Step 2: Set and Forget
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. If you have time, cook on low for 7 to 8 hours—this will give you the most tender beef imaginable. If you’re in more of a hurry, high for 4 to 5 hours will still deliver beautifully tender results. Resist the urge to peek too often; just let the Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff develop all that rich flavor as it simmers away.
Step 3: Finish with Creamy Goodness
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to make things extra luscious. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, making sure both fully melt and combine into the sauce. This step transforms the sauce from brothy to creamy, so don’t hold back! Let everything warm through and thicken for another 20 to 30 minutes on low.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the stroganoff finishes up, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain them and toss with a dab of butter if desired for extra richness—these noodles will cradle your beef and sauce like a dream.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the creamy beef mixture generously over the warm noodles. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’d like an extra pop of color and fresh, herby flavor. That’s it: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff on the table, ready for everyone to dig in and savor.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is always a classic—it brightens the plate and lifts those hearty flavors. For something special, try a dusting of extra black pepper or a scattering of finely sliced green onions for a gentle crunch. Want a restaurant-worthy finish? A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of truffle oil makes your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff truly stand out.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a meal all its own, I love to serve it alongside simple sautéed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted asparagus for a fresh contrast. Buttery peas or even a loaf of garlic bread can make your dinner table feel extra abundant. Anything with bright flavors and a little crunch pairs beautifully to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or want to mix things up, consider serving Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff in individual ramekins over a swirl of noodles, or even in a bread bowl for a fun rustic touch. For a party, use appetizer spoons or little cups for mini stroganoff bites—surprisingly elegant and surprisingly easy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra stroganoff cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—just keep the noodles and sauce separate for the best texture (the noodles can get a little mushy if left in the sauce too long). It’s ideal for meal prepping a few cozy lunches or dinners ahead.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, skip adding the cream cheese and sour cream before freezing. Store just the meat and sauce in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop, then finish with the dairy for maximum creamy goodness.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky. Add a splash of beef broth or milk if needed to loosen things up. If you prepped the noodles and stroganoff separately, combine them just before heating to keep the texture spot on.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient and affordable, chuck roast cut into cubes works beautifully and often becomes even more tender. You can also use sirloin, but it cooks a little faster, so keep an eye on it.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup—these alternatives will still create a deliciously creamy base. Or, make a quick homemade version if you’re up for it, using sautéed mushrooms, broth, and a touch of flour and cream.
Can I make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free noodles and double-check that your cream of mushroom soup and beef broth are certified gluten-free. The creamy sauce itself is naturally gluten-free once you make those swaps.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?
Of course! You can use leaner cuts of beef, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and opt for reduced-fat cream cheese. The result will still be creamy, comforting, and delicious, but with fewer calories and a lighter feel.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas stirred in near the end of cooking blend in seamlessly. Mushrooms in particular double down on the umami flavors and add a hearty, earthy bite to every spoonful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and minimal fuss, Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s one of those recipes that feels both familiar and special every single time—so don’t wait to try it out. Your slow cooker is ready, and so is your next great meal!
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Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Russian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and savory slow cooker beef stroganoff that is rich in flavor and easy to make. Tender chunks of beef in a luscious mushroom sauce served over egg noodles – a comforting meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Beef Stroganoff:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
Finishing Touches:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 oz egg noodles (cooked separately)
Instructions
- Prepare the Stroganoff Base: In a slow cooker, combine beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours.
- Finish the Dish: Thirty minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Cook for an additional 20–30 minutes on low. Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve: Spoon stroganoff over noodles and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Enhance with sliced mushrooms for more flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Great for meal prep and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
