Looking for a fuss-free way to bring bold flavor to your table? This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is your answer. With tender chunks of beef slow-simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, this classic comfort dish is both hearty and simple to prepare. You can toss everything in your slow cooker in the morning and enjoy a warm, delicious dinner by evening. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients that come together into a meal your family will request again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish takes a timeless favorite and makes it weeknight-friendly. With minimal prep, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Chuck roast or stew beef becomes incredibly tender during the slow cook, soaking up all the rich flavors. The sauce is creamy and flavorful, thanks to the addition of mushrooms, beef broth, and sour cream. Served over buttery egg noodles, it’s a complete, satisfying meal. Ideal for meal prepping, cozy dinners, or when you simply want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients and what they bring to the recipe:
Cooking spray – keeps food from sticking to your slow cooker, making cleanup easier
2 pounds of beef stew meat (such as chuck or bottom round), cut into chunks – affordable and perfect for slow cooking
1/4 cup all-purpose flour – creates a light coating and naturally thickens the sauce
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper – enhances the overall taste and seasons the beef
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced – provide earthiness and body to the sauce
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped – adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down
2 cloves garlic, minced – brings savory aroma and flavor
1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth – forms the base of the sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – gives a tangy, umami-rich kick
8 ounces egg noodles – traditional and perfect for soaking up the sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – coats noodles to keep them smooth and flavorful
1 cup full-fat sour cream – stirred in at the end for a creamy finish
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) – for a touch of freshness and color
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This recipe is straightforward and convenient. First, coat the beef with seasoned flour. Then, layer it in the slow cooker with mushrooms, onions, garlic, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Let everything cook until the beef is tender. Near the end, you’ll cook the noodles and stir sour cream into the sauce. The result is a creamy, rich dish with perfectly soft beef and silky noodles. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning to store leftovers, this stroganoff checks all the boxes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Coat the Beef
In a large bowl, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper until each piece is coated evenly.
Step 3: Add Ingredients
Transfer the coated beef into the slow cooker. Add mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat is very tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain, then toss with the melted butter and set aside.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream
Turn off the heat on the slow cooker or switch it to warm. Stir the sour cream into the beef mixture slowly and gently to keep the sauce smooth.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the noodles and spoon the creamy beef mixture on top. Garnish with parsley if desired, and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Choose well-marbled cuts like chuck or bottom round, which become very tender during long cooking.
Only add the sour cream at the end, once the heat is off, to prevent it from separating.
Keep the noodles and beef mixture separate until serving for best texture.
This dish is excellent for batch cooking and storing for later meals.
Not a fan of mushrooms? Substitute with bell peppers or chopped zucchini for a twist.
Details
Flavor: Rich and hearty with a creamy, savory base
Texture: Tender meat in a velvety sauce served over soft noodles
Occasion: Ideal for weeknights, Sunday dinners, or meal prepping
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a lighter version.
Add a pinch of paprika or thyme to change the flavor profile slightly.
To lower carbs, serve over mashed cauliflower or steamed green beans instead of noodles.
If you want to make it dairy-free, use plant-based sour cream and vegan butter alternatives.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What cut of beef is best for slow cooker stroganoff?
Chuck roast or bottom round work very well. These cuts are economical and become tender when cooked low and slow.
When do I add sour cream to the stroganoff?
Stir in the sour cream at the end of cooking. Make sure the slow cooker is off or on warm to avoid curdling.
Can I make stroganoff without mushrooms?
Yes. If you prefer, skip the mushrooms and use other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini instead.
How do I keep the sauce creamy in the slow cooker?
Let the dish cool slightly before stirring in sour cream. Mix it in slowly to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Storage Instructions
After serving, allow everything to cool before storing. Keep the noodles and stroganoff sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days. When reheating, warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw the beef mixture in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly. For the best texture, prepare noodles fresh when serving leftovers.
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff | Comfort Food Made Simple
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A cozy, slow-cooked beef stroganoff made with tender stew meat, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce served over egg noodles. This recipe is simple, creamy, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or bottom round), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
8 ounces dried egg noodles
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup full-fat sour cream (8 ounces)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Transfer beef to the slow cooker and add mushrooms, onion, garlic, broth, and Worcestershire. Stir gently.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until beef is tender.
5. Cook noodles per package instructions. Drain and toss with melted butter.
6. Turn off heat and stir sour cream into beef mixture until smooth.
7. Serve the beef and sauce over noodles and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt.
You can use bell peppers or zucchini instead of mushrooms.
Keep beef and noodles stored separately for best results when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Conclusion
This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a warm and hearty meal perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and satisfying. It combines tender beef, creamy sauce, and buttery noodles in the most comforting way. With just a few steps and mostly hands-off cooking, it’s a fantastic recipe for families or anyone who loves a one-pot classic. Add it to your menu this week and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.