If you are craving comfort food that warms you up from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy beef simmers slowly in a rich, savory gravy made from brown gravy and au jus mixes, perfectly balanced with the tangy creaminess of sour cream. When paired with tender egg noodles, it creates a bowlful of cozy, satisfying goodness that’s ideal for busy days or relaxed weekend dinners. This recipe takes all the guesswork out of classic stroganoff and lets your slow cooker do the magic, making it an absolute go-to meal that tastes like it came from a fancy kitchen but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe lies in its simple and accessible ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the hearty beef stew meat providing rich texture, to the brown gravy and au jus mixes crafting that signature deep flavor, and the sour cream adding a luscious finish. Together, they make every bite a joyous experience.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose good quality beef to ensure tender, flavorful morsels after slow cooking.
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix: This creates a savory base that thickens beautifully into a rich gravy.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix: Adds depth and a subtle beefy umami kick to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Essential for dissolving the mixes and braising the beef to tender perfection.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end for that creamy, tangy finish that makes stroganoff so special.
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles: Classic comfort pasta that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Combine Ingredients
Start by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray—this step helps with easy cleanup later. Whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water right inside the slow cooker until fully combined. Adding the beef stew meat next, stir gently to coat all the pieces with the flavorful liquid as much as possible. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours until the beef is tender and ready to soak up all those savory notes.
Step 2: Add the Sour Cream for Creaminess
About half an hour before you’re ready to eat, scoop out roughly 1/2 cup of the smooth gravy into a separate bowl. Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is velvety and smooth. Pour this creamy blend back into the slow cooker and stir through the beef and sauce. Then, cover it again and let it cook on high for an additional 20 minutes. This step transforms the dish into the iconic, luscious stroganoff texture you will love.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles and Serve
While the stroganoff finishes cooking, boil the egg noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain them well and either serve the beef and creamy sauce spooned over the noodles or toss it all together in the slow cooker for a one-pot meal. Either way, the noodles absorb all those wonderful flavors and complete the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color that brightens up the dish beautifully. You can also add a few cracked black pepper flakes for a little extra kick right before serving. These small touches make your meal feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich creaminess of the stroganoff. For a heartier side, crusty bread is fantastic for soaking up the leftover sauce on the plate. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans or broccoli are also great complements for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stroganoff in deep bowls with a swirl of sour cream on top and fresh herbs sprinkled over. For an elegant touch, place a few sautéed mushrooms on top to highlight the earthy flavors. You can even stuff the creamy beef mixture inside large baked potatoes for a fun twist that combines stovetop comfort and oven heartiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a little while, making the next-day meal just as delightful, if not better. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the creamy sauce evenly.
Freezing
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe freezes very well. When cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. For best quality, consume within 2 to 3 months. To avoid texture changes, it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the noodles if possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened up too much in storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works best for tender results after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just ensure it’s a cut that benefits from slow, gentle cooking to get the meat tender and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe without the packet mixes?
Yes, you can make the gravy and au jus from scratch using beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite seasonings, but using the packet mixes is a quick shortcut that still delivers incredible flavor in this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
Can I freeze the complete dish with noodles included?
It’s best to keep the noodles separate from the beef stroganoff sauce when freezing. Noodles tend to absorb liquid and become mushy if frozen together with the sauce, so cook and freeze them separately and combine when reheating.
What type of sour cream should I use?
Regular full-fat sour cream is ideal for this recipe to maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor. Low-fat or non-dairy substitutes may alter the consistency and tanginess.
Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Sliced mushrooms are a classic addition and cook beautifully in the slow cooker along with the beef. You can also add diced onions or bell peppers for more texture and flavor, but keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly depending on what you add.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a slow-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with hearty satisfaction. This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a treasure for those who love a classic made easy. It promises tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfect noodles to bring smiles to your table with minimal effort. I encourage you to try it out soon—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to create such a delicious celebration of flavor.
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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you. Tender beef stew meat is slow-cooked in a rich brown gravy and au jus mix, then finished with creamy sour cream and served over egg noodles for a classic family favorite.
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
Pasta
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water to the slow cooker and whisk until combined. Add the beef stew meat and stir to coat the meat evenly in the liquid, ensuring most pieces are covered.
- Slow Cook Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Add Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, remove about 1/2 cup of the gravy from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Stir in the sour cream until smooth. Return this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cook covered on high for 20 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Cook Noodles: While the final cooking stage occurs, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well.
- Serve: Serve the tender beef stroganoff and gravy over the hot egg noodles. Alternatively, combine the noodles directly into the slow cooker and stir to combine before serving.
Notes
- Using two packets, brown gravy mix and au jus mix, provides a rich and flavorful sauce.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream.
- You can add mushrooms or onions in step 1 if desired for extra flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the noodles to avoid mushiness if adding them directly to the slow cooker.
- This dish freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
