Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff on a chilly winter evening. I still remember the first time I had this dish. It was a cozy family gathering where the aroma of beef simmering in rich gravy filled the air, making everyone feel at home. As the snow fell outside, we huddled around the table, eagerly anticipating each hearty bite. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory, a hug in a bowl, and a reminder of simpler times. Now, every winter, I whip up this classic recipe in my slow cooker, letting it work its magic while I go about my day. When it’s finally time to dig in, the tender beef and creamy sauce over egg noodles make for an unforgettable meal.

What’s In This Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

Each ingredient in Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff plays a vital role in creating that signature taste and texture. The star of the show, of course, is the succulent beef, which becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks low and slow. Add in some earthy mushrooms and savory onions, and you have a rich base that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Together, these ingredients create a comforting dish that warms the soul.

• 2 lbs top sirloin – Cut into thin strips for easy cooking and maximum tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor throughout the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper – Adds a subtle kick of flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped – Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced – Earthy flavor that complements the beef.
• 4 oz brick style cream cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – Brings a tangy richness that balances the dish.
• 16 oz egg noodles – The perfect vehicle for that creamy beef sauce.
• 4 cups beef broth – A flavorful base for the sauce.
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce to a velvety consistency.
• 1 tablespoon ketchup – Adds a hint of sweetness and color.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the savory flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon beef bouillon – Enhances the meaty flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – A touch of tangy zest.
• 1 teaspoon each sugar, dried parsley, paprika – Balance flavors and add depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Aromatic herbiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon each dried thyme, red pepper flakes – Complements the dish with warmth and earthiness.

Preparation Steps for Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

Making Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these easy steps to create a meal that your family will love. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll have plenty of time to focus on what really matters. Let’s get started!

1. Prepare the beef: Begin by placing the top sirloin on a cutting board. It’s best if you slightly freeze the meat for about 30 minutes beforehand, making it easier to slice into thin strips. Once you have your strips, toss them in a bowl with the salt and pepper until evenly coated. This step enhances the flavor of the beef and sets the foundation for your Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff.
2. Add to the slow cooker: Next, transfer the seasoned beef to a lightly greased slow cooker. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. At this point, you can opt to add the mushrooms now if you prefer them softer, or wait until halfway through cooking for firmer ones. I personally like adding mine later for that perfect texture.
3. Prepare the broth: In a separate medium saucepan, whisk together the cold ingredients for the Beef Gravy Broth. Combine the beef broth, flour, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef bouillon. It’s crucial that you mix these off the heat until the flour is mostly dissolved to avoid clumps. Once mixed, heat it until boiling and then reduce to a simmer until it thickens.
4. Add to the slow cooker: Pour the thickened gravy over the beef mixture in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. This will ensure that every piece of beef is surrounded by the rich gravy, infusing it with flavor as it cooks.
5. Set the temperature: Cook the mixture on HIGH for about 3 to 5 hours or on LOW for 7 to 9 hours. The exact time can vary based on your slow cooker; you’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender and practically melts in your mouth.
6. Finish the sauce: Once the beef is tender, it’s time to finish the sauce. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted, followed by the sour cream. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that complements the beef beautifully.
7. Cook the noodles: While the sauce is finishing, cook your egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This will serve as the perfect base for your Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff.
8. Serve: Finally, serve the beef mixture over the cooked noodles. Top with additional sour cream, salt, and pepper if desired, and even thin the sauce with a splash of milk for a lighter consistency.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some of my top tips to make your Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff even better:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Pairing: Serve your Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Making it a complete meal: Add some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side for extra nutrition.
• Adjusting flavor: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste. Adding more Dijon mustard or paprika can enhance the flavor profile.
• For richness: Using full-fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream will yield a creamier, richer sauce.

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

When it comes to serving Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff, the options are plentiful. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Classic pairing: Serve it over egg noodles for a traditional touch, letting the noodles soak up the rich sauce.
• Mashed potatoes: For a twist, try it over creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce pairs wonderfully with the fluffy texture.
• Rice: White or brown rice makes for an excellent side that balances the flavors of the dish.
• Vegetable sides: Consider adding a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, like green beans or carrots, for a nutritious boost.
• Garnishes: Top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
• Occasion: This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weeks. It makes great leftovers!

FAQ

Conclusion

Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a dish that embodies comfort, warmth, and family. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or simply a weeknight dinner. I encourage you to try making this dish; it’s sure to become a staple in your home as it has in mine. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the joy it brings to your table!

Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

The ultimate comfort food, Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, hearty dish that will satisfy your cravings. With tender beef, flavorful mushrooms, and a rich sauce, it's the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Make it tonight and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Top Sirloin Cut into thin strips
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 large Onion Chopped
• 4-6 cloves Garlic Minced
• 10 oz Cremini Mushrooms Sliced
• 4 oz Cream Cheese Very soft, full fat is less likely to curdle
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream Room temperature, full fat is less likely to curdle
• 16 oz Egg Noodles Or more if you love noodles
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour Plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon Ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Beef Bouillon Powder or base
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Slow Cooker
• Saucepan
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk

Method

 

1. While meat is still on the cutting board, toss it with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add meat, onions, and garlic to lightly greased slow cooker. You can add mushrooms now for softer mushrooms or halfway through cooking for firmer mushrooms (I add mine halfway through).
2. Whisk all of the cold Beef Gravy Broth ingredients together in a medium saucepan off-heat until the flour is mostly dissolved. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until thickened to the consistency of thick gravy. It may seem extra thick but will thin as moisture is released from the mushrooms, onions, and meat.
3. Add to slow cooker and stir until evenly combined. Cook on HIGH for 3-5 hours or on LOW for 7-9 hours. Beef is ready when it is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
4. Once tender, stir in cream cheese until melted followed by sour cream until combined. Serve with egg noodles and additional sour cream, salt, and pepper if desired. Thin with milk for a thinner sauce if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute: beef chuck roast for the top sirloin. Again, partially freeze before slicing.
• Mushrooms: The mushrooms are optional. If you like melt-in-your-mouth mushrooms then add them at the beginning of cooking. If you prefer firmer mushrooms then add them halfway through cooking.
• Cream Cheese: I recommend full fat cream cheese as it is less likely to curdle. Soften your cream cheese first otherwise it is much harder to fully dissolve and will leave lumps of cream cheese in the gravy.
• Sour Cream: Room temperature and full fat sour cream is less likely to curdle.
• Gravy consistency: The gravy should seem thick at first but will thin to the perfect consistency as moisture is released from the mushrooms, onions, and meat.
• Tenderness: Your beef is ready when it is melt-in-your-mouth tender. If it is not tender, it just needs to cook longer. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference in tenderness.
• Additional sour cream: Stir in additional sour cream if desired for more tangy sour cream taste.
• Delicious on: This Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff sauce is not only delicious on egg noodles, but try it on mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, and rice!

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.