Cozy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Comfort: The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, so you can go about your day while it works its magic.
• Great for Families: The creamy, savory sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients that you might already have on hand.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt to fit dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essentials:

• Beef Stew Meat: Tender chunks of beef are the star here. If stew meat isn’t available, you can use chuck roast, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
• Egg Noodles: The ultimate comfort starch to soak up all that creamy sauce. You can opt for gluten-free noodles if needed.
• Beef Broth: A flavorful base for the sauce. Opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
• Cremini Mushrooms: These are my personal favorite for their earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms work too!
• Sour Cream: Adds the signature tanginess to the stroganoff. For a lighter option, swap with plain Greek yogurt.
• Yellow Onion and Garlic: Aromatics to build layers of flavor.
• Cream Cheese: For that extra creamy, decadent finish.

Pro Tips:

• If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, leave them out and substitute with extra onion for a subtly sweet note.
• Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry when deglazing the pan (before adding everything to your crockpot) for added depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice your mushrooms, dice onion, and mince garlic. Add salt and pepper to the beef stew meat for seasoning.
2. Sauté (Optional but Recommended): In a skillet, heat some oil and brown the beef in batches. This step adds an extra layer of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. Load the Crockpot: Add the browned beef, sliced mushrooms, diced onion, garlic, and beef broth to the crockpot. Give it all a quick stir to combine.
4. Set and Forget: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
5. Make It Creamy: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream cheese and sour cream. This will make the sauce luscious and smooth.
6. Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add to the crockpot, stirring to coat them in the sauce.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• If your sauce seems too thick, thin it out with a little extra beef broth or milk.
• For added flavor, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce when adding the sour cream and cream cheese.
• Don’t skip seasoning the beef before cooking—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for hearty mushrooms like portobellos and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles.
• Side Suggestions: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this dish? Yes, the beef and sauce freeze beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles or serve over mashed potatoes for a naturally gluten-free option.

Printable Recipe

There’s something magical about a meal that requires so little effort but delivers so much flavor. When you make this Crockpot Beef Stroganoff, tag me with #TheKitchensAid—I can’t wait to see your spins on it! Let’s keep making meals that bring joy to the table.