Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Why will you love this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe? First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. I just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while I go about my day.
The aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible! Plus, the combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and savory mushrooms creates a rich flavor that warms the soul.
It’s the perfect comfort food, especially on chilly evenings. I love how it’s a complete meal served over egg noodles, making cleanup a breeze.
You won’t have to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a hearty dish that everyone will rave about. You’ll definitely want seconds!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s that warm, creamy bowl of beef stroganoff, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s unbelievably simple to whip up. You’ll love how all the ingredients come together to create a hearty dish that practically cooks itself.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t adore a meal that can simmer away while you tackle the million other things on your to-do list? So, without further ado, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless beef cubes
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 10 ounces cream of mushroom soup (I recommend Campbell’s)
- 8 ounces beef and onion soup mix
- 9 ounces canned mushrooms (do not drain)
- 16 ounces broad egg noodles (I prefer no yolks)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Now, before we plunge into the cooking process, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. The beef cubes are the star of the show, and it’s best to go for a tender cut that will cook nicely and not turn tough.
You can use whatever mushrooms you prefer, but the canned ones add a nice texture and flavor without the fuss of fresh ones. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor, like cream of chicken, to mix things up.
Just remember, the cream cheese and sour cream are what really give this dish that luscious, creamy finish, so don’t skimp on those. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Let’s gear up for the next step, where we’ll put all these wonderful ingredients together!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Alright, let’s plunge into making this delicious creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff. First things first, grab your slow cooker and get ready to mix things up. You’ll want to start with 8 ounces of beef and onion soup mix and combine that with 10 ounces of cream of mushroom soup in the slow cooker. This is where the magic begins, as these two creamy concoctions create the base for our heavenly sauce.
Now, toss in 9 ounces of canned mushrooms—don’t drain them, folks—this will add a rich, earthy touch to the dish. Next, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir it all together until everything is well combined.
Now, it’s time for the star of our show, the 1 1/2 pounds of boneless beef cubes. Gently add those into the slow cooker, along with 1/2 cup of chopped yellow onion. Give everything a good mix, cover it up, and set your slow cooker to high for 3 to 3.5 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours. This is where you can kick back and let the slow cooker do its thing. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your home—comfort food at its finest.
As we get close to the finish line, we need to add in a couple of key players. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, toss in 4 ounces of cream cheese, stirring it into the mixture until it melts and creates that velvety texture we all crave.
Then, just 10 minutes before you indulge, add in 1/2 cup of sour cream, giving it a final stir. While all this creamy goodness is happening, don’t forget to cook your 16 ounces of broad egg noodles according to the package directions in a separate pot.
Once everything is ready, drain those noodles and serve the stroganoff over them. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing, and you might just find yourself going back for seconds. Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness of your homemade beef stroganoff.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying that creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
One simple substitution I often make is swapping beef for chicken or turkey. It’s just as delicious!
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or tempeh instead of meat.
For a lighter version, I’ve replaced sour cream with Greek yogurt, and it works beautifully.
You can also mix in different veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
If you’re out of cream cheese, a bit of ricotta can do the trick.
Finally, experiment with spices; adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can elevate the dish even more!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
To truly elevate your creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff experience, you’ll want to contemplate some delicious side dishes that complement its rich flavors.
I love serving it with a fresh green salad, dressed in a light vinaigrette, which adds a crisp contrast. Garlic bread is another favorite; it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
You might also consider roasted vegetables—carrots and Brussels sprouts work wonderfully—to add a touch of sweetness and texture.
For something heartier, buttery mashed potatoes can make a fantastic base. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of sautéed green beans adds a nice crunch and color.
These options really round out the meal and leave everyone satisfied.
Additional Tips & Notes
While making creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff, there are a few tips that can enhance your dish and streamline the cooking process.
First, I recommend browning the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds depth to the flavor.
Also, feel free to toss in some fresh mushrooms or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added richness.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped onions or even frozen ones.
Remember to adjust the seasonings to your taste; a little extra paprika or garlic can go a long way.
Finally, don’t rush the cream cheese and sour cream additions. They’ll melt beautifully, giving you that creamy texture we all love!