Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff | Amazing Creamy Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490864H29M30S
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup flour; 3–6 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons cold butter, divided; ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth); 16 oz. button mushrooms, sliced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon beef bouillon or 1 bouillon cube; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; ¼ cup cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water (slurry); 1½ cups full-fat sour cream; 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup (optional); 1 pound wide homestyle egg noodles, for serving

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe

There’s something about the smell of tender beef simmering all afternoon that feels like home. This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is creamy, rich, and built for cozy nights. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you get the reward a comforting meal that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did).

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Comforting, Creamy Flavor

Every bite brings that classic creamy sauce you expect from beef stroganoff. The tang of sour cream mixes with beefy broth and mushrooms to create a sauce that hugs each noodle perfectly.

Tender Beef with Minimal Effort

You’ll only spend about 15 minutes prepping before your slow cooker takes over. By the end, the beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender while still holding shape.

Family-Friendly and Meal-Prep Friendly

This dish feeds a crowd or sets you up for easy leftovers. It reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff served on white plate with tender beef and noodles — Creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff with tender beef, noodles, and rich sauce

What Goes Into Beef Stroganoff Sauce

Core Flavor Base: Broth, Sour Cream, Mustard, and Worcestershire

This combo builds depth. Beef broth brings umami, Dijon mustard adds a gentle bite, and Worcestershire ties everything together with savory notes.

Mushroom, Onion, and Garlic Aromatics

Sautéed mushrooms and onions give the sauce a deep earthiness. Add garlic toward the end so it stays fragrant and doesn’t burn.

Optional Enhancers: White Wine and Cream of Mushroom

White wine lifts the flavor and helps deglaze the pan. The cream of mushroom soup (if you use it) makes the sauce thicker and heartier.

Best Cuts of Beef for Slow Cooker Stroganoff

Why Chuck Roast Works Best

Chuck roast has the right amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down into tender, flavorful bites after hours of slow cooking.

Other Great Options: Rump Roast and Bottom Round

Both cuts are affordable and reliable. They stay moist during the long cook and develop excellent flavor.

How Proper Preparation Affects Tenderness

Always cut beef into even cubes and sear it briefly before adding to the slow cooker. This seals in juices and adds rich caramelized flavor.

Should You Sear the Beef First?

Flavor Benefits of Browning

Searing the beef is worth it. The browned crust adds a deep, roasted note that enhances the final sauce.

How to Sear Properly for Optimal Texture

Pat beef dry, coat lightly in flour, and cook in batches for less than a minute per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the meat will steam.

When to Skip Searing (Time-Saving Shortcut)

If you’re in a rush, you can add raw beef directly to the slow cooker. Just know the sauce will be a bit lighter and less complex.

Ingredient List and Prep Notes

Key Ingredients and What They Do

Beef broth builds the base. Dijon mustard adds tang. Sour cream gives creaminess. Cornstarch thickens it perfectly at the end.

Optional Ingredient Swaps

Swap white wine for chicken broth, or replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Notes on Wine Selection and Alternatives

Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are ideal. If you don’t cook with wine, chicken broth keeps the flavor balanced.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Season, Flour, and Sear the Beef

Season cubes with garlic salt and pepper. Coat with flour. Heat olive oil and sear the beef in batches until browned.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan and Sauté Vegetables

Add a bit of butter and white wine to the pan, scraping up the browned bits. Toss in mushrooms and onions, cooking until soft. Add garlic last for one more minute.

Step 3: Build the Slow Cooker Base

In the slow cooker, combine beef broth, bouillon, vinegar, Worcestershire, and mustard. Add the beef and mushroom mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook for Perfectly Tender Meat

Cook on high for 4–5 hours or on low for 8–9 hours. The beef should easily break apart with a fork.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Finish with Sour Cream

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. Then whisk sour cream with a bit of hot cooking liquid before adding to the pot.

Step 6: Serve Over Egg Noodles

Cook noodles separately, then spoon the rich stroganoff over top. Finish with a small pat of butter for gloss.

Tips for the Creamiest, Thickest Stroganoff Sauce

Using Cornstarch Slurry Correctly

Always dissolve cornstarch in cold water before adding. This prevents lumps and ensures smooth sauce.

Balancing Tanginess with Sour Cream and Vinegar

Taste before serving. Add a touch more sour cream for extra creaminess or vinegar for brightness.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Richness

A splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese can make it even silkier.

Serving Suggestions

Best Noodles and Alternatives

Wide egg noodles are traditional, but mashed potatoes or rice also work well.

What to Serve on the Side

Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad balance the richness.

How to Adjust Texture for Different Preferences

If you like a thicker sauce, let it sit uncovered on warm for a few minutes before serving.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing the Sauce (Without Noodles)

Freeze just the beef and sauce for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.

Best Tips for Reheating Without Curdling

Warm slowly on low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream.

Recipe Notes from the Test Kitchen

Why Full-Fat Sour Cream Matters

It melts smoothly and doesn’t split under heat. Light versions tend to separate.

When to Use or Skip Cream of Mushroom Soup

It’s optional, but it deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce nicely.

Small Upgrades That Improve Flavor

Finish with a knob of butter and fresh parsley right before serving.

More Such Recipes

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff proves that classic comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. With its velvety sauce, fall-apart beef, and cozy aroma, it’s the kind of dinner that gathers everyone at the table without stress. Share your version or get inspired by more ideas on Pinterest or Facebook.

Table of Contents