If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is just what you need. Tender beef stew meat simmers slowly in a rich blend of brown gravy and au jus mixes, culminating in a creamy sauce enriched by sour cream. When served over soft egg noodles, every bite delivers that luscious balance of savory and creamy flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this recipe comes together easily and rewards you with a taste that feels lovingly homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe combine to create its signature depth of flavor and texture. Each component plays a role, from the beef providing the hearty base, to the gravy and au jus mixes that build savory richness, finishing with sour cream’s luxurious creaminess and egg noodles’ satisfying bite.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness after slow cooking.
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix: Adds that classic, savory thickness and deep flavor.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix: Boosts the beefy richness with subtle aromatic notes.
- 1 1/2 cups water: The perfect amount to dissolve and meld the gravy and au jus mixes.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings creaminess and a slight tang that balances the dish beautifully.
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles: A soft, classic accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Begin by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze. In the cooker, whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water until fully combined. Adding the stew meat next, stir well to coat all the pieces evenly with the flavorful liquid. This ensures that every bite of beef soaks up the savory juices during cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 5 hours. This slow, steady cooking tenderizes the beef to perfection, allowing the flavors of the gravy and au jus mixes to deeply infuse the meat. Patience here is key, as it transforms the stew meat into tender bites that melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Sour Cream
Around 30 minutes before mealtime, take about half a cup of the gravy from the slow cooker and mix it in a bowl with the sour cream. Stir this creamy blend back into the cooker and cook covered on high for about 20 minutes. This step adds that signature creamy tang that makes this stroganoff so irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the sauce finishes, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. These noodles will soak up the luscious beefy sauce, creating the perfect base to serve the tender stroganoff on.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
You can either serve the slow-cooked beef and gravy ladled over the hot egg noodles or mix the noodles right into the slow cooker for a more integrated dish. Either way, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a bright herbal note. A dash of cracked black pepper or a small handful of sliced mushrooms sautéed lightly in butter can add an extra layer of flavor and texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe pairs wonderfully with lighter vegetables to balance the meal. Steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette are ideal sides that refresh the palate and add color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your presentation a little special? Serve the stroganoff in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme or paprika dusted on top for a pop of color. For a family-friendly twist, try layering the beef stroganoff in small glass jars or even serve it over mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option without sacrificing creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish has cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor. When stored properly, the flavors actually deepen overnight—making it just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this comforting meal ready for even later, you can freeze the beef stroganoff (without the egg noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Cook fresh noodles when serving to keep the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring, as the sour cream-based sauce can separate if overheated too quickly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful, you can also use cuts like chuck roast cut into cubes. Just remember that leaner cuts may not be as tender after slow cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt. It will change the flavor slightly but will still keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You sure can! Use the sauté function to brown the meat first, then add the liquids and set it to slow cook or pressure cook according to your preference. Adjust cooking times as needed for tenderness.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce seems watery after cooking, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes to thicken the gravy nicely.
Can I add vegetables to the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
Definitely! Adding mushrooms, onions, or even carrots early in the cooking process boosts flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into sizes that will cook properly during the long cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a shining example of how easy comfort food can be when done right. The minimal prep and slow cooker magic deliver a dish rich in flavor and tender texture that feels like a special treat any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy, creamy stroganoff with the people you love!
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 Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and easy-to-make classic dish featuring tender beef stew meat simmered in a flavorful brown gravy and au jus sauce. The creamy addition of sour cream enriches the gravy, making it perfect to serve over soft egg noodles for a hearty family meal.
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
Noodles
- 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, add the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water, then whisk until fully combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your beef stroganoff.
- Add Beef and Cook: Place the beef stew meat into the slow cooker and stir to coat with the gravy mixture, ensuring as much of the meat as possible is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Finish Gravy with Sour Cream: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, ladle about 1/2 cup of the gravy from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Stir in the sour cream until smooth, then return the mixture to the slow cooker to combine thoroughly. Cover and cook on high for 20 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Cook Egg Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and keep warm.
- Serve: Serve the tender beef and creamy gravy over the hot egg noodles. Alternatively, you may add the cooked noodles directly into the slow cooker and gently stir to combine before serving for a more integrated dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sear the beef stew meat in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, though this is optional.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Using full-fat sour cream enhances the creaminess but low-fat versions can be used to reduce calories.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
